Reason, Rapture, and the Soul of a Society: Apollo vs. Dionysus

Explore the fundamental conflict of our age through Ayn Rand's incisive analysis of reason vs. emotion. In her provocative essay "Apollo and Dionysus," Ayn Rand uses the symbolic figures of the Greek gods Apollo (representing order, reason, and individualism) and Dionysus (representing chaos, irrational emotion, and the collective) to dissect crucial philosophical issues. Written in response to the contrasting events of the Apollo 11 moon landing and the Woodstock music festival in 1969, Rand argues that these seemingly disparate occurrences are vivid dramatizations of the eternal struggle between rationality and irrationality.

This discussion group will delve into:

• The cultural significance of Apollo 11 and Woodstock: Why did Rand choose these two events as prime examples of the Apollonian and Dionysian mindsets?
• The role of philosophy in understanding current events: How does Rand demonstrate that abstract philosophical ideas manifest in concrete reality?
• Relevance to today: Do the themes explored in "Apollo and Dionysus" still resonate in contemporary society? Where do we see the tension between reason and emotion playing out now?

Join us for a stimulating and challenging discussion as we unpack one of Ayn Rand's most insightful essays and explore its enduring implications. All perspectives and all levels of knowledge are welcome for a thoughtful and respectful exchange of ideas.

Recommended reading is Ayn Rand's essay, "Apollo vs. Dionysus", from her book "Return of the Primitive." The full text of the essay can be found at the link below:

https://courses.aynrand.org/works/apollo-and-dionysus/

The below webinar from the Ayn Rand Institute is also highly recommended:

https://youtu.be/CkUiiHOVP4o?si=FY7S71T1FTLc945a