Navigator, September, 2001

Commentaries:

Faith and Funding: What Is the Root of the Stem Cell Controversy?
The current debate over federal funding of embryonic stem cell research raises two basic questions: “Is it morally and legally proper to use human embryos for such research?” and “Should government funds be used for this research?” Patrick Stephens, TOC’s manager of current affairs, sorts out the issues.

Reckless Legislating
New York State has made it illegal for drivers to use a handheld cell-phone, on the grounds that such a phone distracts the driver. Not only is that bad policy, writes Shawn E. Klein, and not only is it a violation of rights, it points to a deeply disturbing relationship between American citizens and their government.

Self-Judgment Days
Shawn E. Klein argues that the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (September 18th and 27th this year) fulfill rational needs that Objectivists should find ways of fulfilling in their own lives; the need for ritual and remembrance, the need for moral self-evaluationm, and the need to seek forgiveness and make reparations.

Updates on July/August Commentaries
Following up on Navigator's stories about the function of the Internet in authoritarian countries; and the causes of the California electricity crisis.

Articles & Reviews:

Automobility and Freedom
The car has dramatically enhanced our ability to realize the fundamental human attribute of self-directed action. As a consequence, writes, Sam Kazman, it has also opened new roads to liberty, knowledge, and economic opportunity.

What is the West? by Roger Donway
David Gress's From Plato to Nato, disputes the old account of Western progress as a series of "Magic Moments" leading twentieth-century liberalism. But it disagrees even more strongly with the West's postmodern critics.

Logbook:

Objectivism Celebrated at 2001 Summer Seminar.

Other Logbook items:
Advanced Seminar Brings Together Objectivist Scholars
Frank Kirmss—In Memorium
Rick Goad Leaves TOC
Sightings
Soundings