Manchester Ayn Rand Meetup

​Join us for a stimulating online discussion dissecting Ayn Rand's 1967 essay, "The Property Status of Airways," from her book, Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal.

​In this short but profound piece, Rand applies her principles of Objectivism and property rights to a relatively new legal and technological challenge of the 20th century: the ownership and control of the airspace above private land.

​Whether you're a student of philosophy, law, or economics, come prepared to debate Rand's bold conclusions on airspace property, innovation, and the scope of individual rights.

​Join us for a focused online discussion on Ayn Rand’s essay, "Patents and Copyrights," which delves into the philosophical justification for intellectual property rights within the framework of her Objectivist philosophy.

​In this essay, Rand challenges traditional notions and socialist critiques of intellectual property, arguing that the right to an invention or artistic creation is fundamentally a moral right stemming from the right to the product of one’s mind.

​This session is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy, law, and economics, particularly as it relates to innovation and the digital age.

The full text of the essay is available at the below link:

https://courses.aynrand.org/works/patents-and-copyrights/

Have you ever struggled with the conventional understanding of "selfishness"? Do you wonder if pursuing your own happiness is truly moral, or if it inevitably leads to emptiness?

Join us for a challenging and thought-provoking discussion centred on Ayn Rand's profound ethical distinction: "Selfishness Without the Self." We'll explore:

• The "Second-Hander": Is living for the approval of others truly self-interested, or a form of "living death"?
• Whim-Worship: Can pursuing every fleeting desire lead to genuine happiness, or does it signify a lack of a coherent self?
• The Integrated Self: What does it mean to be genuinely "selfish" in Rand's ethical framework? How does this differ from traditional notions of egoism?
• The Virtue of Rational Self-Interest: How does Rand define a life lived by reason, for one's own sake, and why does she consider it the highest moral good?

This discussion group will focus intensely on the ethical implications of Rand's concept. We'll unpack the distinctions between genuine self-interest and its destructive counterfeits, and explore what it truly means to live as an independent, self-actualizing individual.

Whether you're curious about Objectivism, seeking a deeper understanding of ethical philosophy, or wrestling with questions of personal identity and happiness, your insights are invaluable.

The recommended reading for this discussion is Ayn Rand's essay, "Selfishness Without a Self," from her book, "Philosophy: Who Needs It?" The full text of the essay can be found at the link below:

https://courses.aynrand.org/works/selfishness-without-a-self/