I have more thoughts on how Stephen Parrish, a US-based academic who holds religious views, has criticised Objectivism and its treatment of religion.

I recently wrote a book review for Amazon about a book, Justifying Intellectual Property, by Robert Merges.

I often encounter the argument, from critics of ethical egoism, that it can not provide a water-tight code of ethics because, for example, it might be in the interests of people, including rational, life-seeking people, to try and "cheat" and do things like rob and defraud others.

It is sometimes notable to come across people who attack Rand's naturalistic ethics, questioning the idea that life, and flourishing qua Man, is the root and reward of morality.

Just a quick note from me to say how much I, along with many others, such as Ken Irvine - who is a SOLO Passion member - enjoyed a recent talk in London by Professor Tara Smith, on the issue of happin

As regulars here will know, Ayn Rand's defence of patents and copyrights has come under attack, even from those fairly sympathetic to the main features of her philosophy, such as Timothy Sandefur.

One of the many things that attracted me to the writings of Rand - and I guess I am speaking for many others here - is that is right and proper for a person to go after their goals with passion.

This review of Atlas Shrugged at the blog of the Libertarian Alliance (UK) is a total jaw-dropper. Ponder the headline.

Over at the Objective Standard website, a recent essay on Rand, written by the UK physician and writer, Anthony Daniels, is subjected to a comprehensive demolition job. Read it all.

I am sure several SOLO folks have read this book or heard of it, but if not, then I strongly recommend "Noble Vision", a book written about the struggles of a doctor in a mad, statist world.

I guess it is inevitable - even a sign that the author is taken seriously - that a lot of people continue to throw rocks at Ayn Rand. A book I came across recently is "Ayn Rand Contra Human Nature", published by Greg Nyquist. You can read some of the Amazon reviews of this tome here (http://www.amazon.com/Ayn-Rand...)

Mr Nyquist's blog also continues an almost daily diet of invective against Objectivism, Objectivists, and classical liberalism generally. Indeed the tone of the book is almost guaranteed to rile even the gentlest soul. It reminds me of a certain kind of smart-arse student I used to encounter at my college.

I have become quite addicted to the US television hit series, Mad Men.

I am afraid that I part company with a lot of those who - like me - profoundly distrust Mr Obama, over the issue of torture and his decision to release certain memos.

Last night, along with a few other Objectivists and sympathisers with this philosophy, I attended the annual Chris R. Tame memorial lecture, hosted by the Libertarian Alliance (UK).