The Giver by Lois Lowry

by Angelica WerthAnnouncements, Art & CultureJul 10, 2024

Imagine living your whole life in a world that’s black and white—and then getting a glimpse of color. This is what Jonas experiences in Lois Lowry’s young adult dystopian novel The Giver. In a community where government committees enforce equality, Jonas becomes one of the few to discover life was ever any different. The lessons he learns and the decisions he must make illustrate the values of choice and knowledge to each individual. I discuss these values as they’re depicted in The Giver in my latest Substack post.

On Solid Ground

On Solid Ground is the hub for content from OSI fellows and affiliates, along with announcements about OSI’s programs and events. Here, you’ll find links to our team’s articles, videos, and other materials published across various platforms. And you’ll discover opportunities to support and engage with our global community.

Latest Blog Posts

Christian Theist vs Objectivist Atheist

by Maddox LocherPhilosophy

Nov 21, 2025

Maddox (Objectivist, ex-baptist) and Jake (a Baptist pastor) confront their deepest disagreements about God, morality, and the foundations of truth. They explore whether faith or reason is the more reliable path to knowledge—and how each shapes our understanding of good and evil.

Moral Realism vs. Anti-Realism Is a False Alternative

by Craig BiddlePhilosophy

Nov 21, 2025

Most philosophers claim you must choose between moral realism and moral anti-realism—but that dichotomy is a trap. In his video, Craig breaks down both categories, shows why they fail, and explains the overlooked third option: moral objectivism. You’ll see how values arise from the factual requirements of human life—and why that changes the entire debate.

Northanger Abbey: A Mystery of Motive, Not Murder

by Angelica WerthArt & Culture

Nov 21, 2025

In her new Substack post, Angel discusses Northanger Abbey—a light, fun story about an innocent girl, captivated by Gothic tales, who begins to learn how the “real world” works and how to recognize people’s less-than-innocent motives.

Objective Standard Institute’s 2024 in Review

by Craig BiddleAnnouncements

Nov 17, 2025

OSI advanced its mission—and your values—beautifully in 2024. Here are some highlights of our projects and programs throughout the year.