Is it morally permissible to accept government money? Does the answer change in the midst of a pandemic like Covid-19? In this episode of New Ideal Live, Elan Journo and Onkar Ghate discuss how to think through these questions in a principled way, drawing on Ayn Rand’s essay “The Question of Scholarships.” Topics discussed include: why this is a challenging issue for anyone who values freedom; how the principle of justice applies in this context; why one’s view of government welfare programs is a crucial factor; and the importance of preserving one’s integrity.

Watch or listen to the whole discussion below.

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