Book Club: Understanding Objectivism

The Book

Our next book is Understanding Objectivism a transcription by Michael S. Berliner of a lecture series by Leonard Peikoff. The course was presented as an advanced instruction into the right method for understanding philosophy in general and Objectivism specifically.

From the back of the book:

"Based on a series of lectures in 1983 by Dr. Leonard Peikoff, Understanding Objectivism offers a deep and profound study of Ayn Rand's Philosophy and outlines a methodology of how to approach the study of Objectivism and apply its principles.

"Dr. Peikoff's course-offered in book from for the first time-should not be considered an introduction to Objectivism nor an alternative to his 1991 Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand. The unique focus of these lectures is on distinguishing the right and wrong methods for trying to understand philosophy in general and for understanding and validating Objectivism in particular.

"Michael S. Berliner, the renowned editor of The Letters of Ayn Rand, presents Dr. Peikoff's lectures in a reader-friendly format, highlighting Dr. Peikoff's interpretation of Objectivism's main ideas, including life as a standard of moral value, validation of individual rights, the evil of the initiation of force, the virtue of honesty, inductive knowledge and contextual certainty.

"For the legions of readers who treasure Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, and who savor cogent analysis and provocative discussion of Ayn Rand's thoughts and beliefs, Understanding Objectivism takes the stimulating study of Rand's philosophy to the next level."

Discussion

Please bring a question or comment to the meeting. Each person's contribution.

Our Schedule

9/2 - The Role of Philosophy

9/9 - Life as the Standard of Value

9/16 - Honesty, Importance of Principles

9/23 - Force and Rights

9/30 - The Hierarchy of Objectivism

10/7 - Objectivism Versus The Intrinsic and Subjective

10/14 - Rationalism

10/21 - Rationalism and Empiricism

10/28 - Objectivism Versus Rationalism and Empiricism

11/4 - Emotions and Moral Judgment

11/11 - Intelectual Honesty