Jerry Kirkpatrick argues free society rests on universals in new book

Jerry Kirkpatrick’s new book, published July 1 by Kirkpatrick Books in Upland, California, makes the case that a sound theory of universals is necessary to justify truth, rights, property and freedom. The book targets lay readers and academics interested in the epistemology behind science, psychology and economics.

Why it matters: - The book argues that the free society depends on a defensible theory of universals. - If universals are invalid, core ideas such as truth, objectivity, rights, property and freedom become arbitrary and subjective. - The book links philosophy to the human sciences and to the intellectual case for liberty.

What happened: - Jerry Kirkpatrick published Epistemological Foundations of the Free Society on July 1 through Kirkpatrick Books in Upland, California. - The book presents Ayn Rand’s theory of universals as the solution to philosophy’s problem of universals. - The author frames the book for laypersons and academics interested in the epistemology of science.

The details: - The book argues that Rand’s theory clarifies the correct meaning of science. - The author says that clarification strengthens the status of the human sciences. - The book applies that argument to the scientific work of Sigmund Freud in psychology and Ludwig von Mises in economics. - Kirkpatrick says the work is scholarly but written in a style accessible to interested laypersons. - The book is 180 pages and sized 6 by 9 inches. - Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-7371387-5-4. - Softcover ISBN: 978-1-7371387-6-1. - Ebook ISBN: 978-1-7371387-7-8. - Hardcover price: $29.95. - Softcover price: $18.95. - Ebook price: $9.99. - The book is available through Kirkpatrick Books and the author’s blog. - The book is distributed nationally through Ingram Books. - The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online chain and independent retailers.

Between the lines: - The book sits at the intersection of philosophy, economics and psychology. - Its argument is aimed at readers who want an epistemological defense of individual rights and markets. - Kirkpatrick Books focuses on Objectivist and Austrian economics titles, which fits the book’s intellectual frame. - Jerry Kirkpatrick’s background in international business, marketing and philosophy gives the project an academic and interdisciplinary angle.

What's next: - Kirkpatrick is promoting the book through his website, blog and social media. - Readers interested in related commentary can follow his monthly blog discussions of epistemology and psychology. - Wider retail distribution gives the title a national sales path across major bookstores and online channels.