This series of seminars offers an opportunity to explore the philosophic foundations of Objectivism with faculty from the Ayn Rand Institute. In the first session, students will be granted access to a lecture by Dr. Onkar Ghate on Objectivism and it’s view of the nature and importance of philosophy — a lecture previously available only to students of ARI’s advanced training courses (ARU). Subsequent sessions examine key elements of the philosophy, including Objectivism’s metaphysical foundations, its view of man’s life as the moral standard, the nature of moral virtue and happiness, and the principles concerning the proper role of government. The final session focuses on what one can do to uphold and advance better ideas in today’s culture. Throughout, we will emphasize both the theoretical framework of Objectivism and its practical relevance.
Attend your first live session for free to experience the course. To continue attending sessions, you will be required to purchase the course for $25.
Course Content
Course Includes
- 8 Lessons
- 12 Topics
- 8 Writing Assignments
Course Faculty
Aaron SmithDr. Smith is an instructor and fellow at ARI where he teaches and designs educational content for the Institute’s intellectual training and e-learning programs. He also writes, speaks, and gives interviews for the Institute. Dr. Smith received his PhD in philosophy from Johns Hopkins University where his research focused on Aristotle’s theory of knowledge.
Sam WeaverSam Weaver is an associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. He teaches in ARI’s educational programs, including the Ayn Rand University, and writes and speaks on issues related to the field of education. He holds a BA in English and is currently pursuing graduate studies in the liberal arts.
Mike MazzaDr. Mazza is an associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. He specializes in the philosophy of science with a particular interest in causality. Dr. Mazza received his PhD in philosophy from Saint Louis University.
Tristan de LiegeDr. de Liège is a junior fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. He received his PhD from the University of California, Riverside in 2021. His research centers on productive work and its relationship to well-being, Aristotle’s ethics, and virtue ethics.
Steven WardenSteven Warden works for the Objectivism Program at the Salem Center for Policy in Austin, TX. He is completing his PhD in moral philosophy at the University of St. Andrews and was formerly a junior fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. Steven has assisted with a number of ARU classes and led reading groups on Ayn Rand's ethics and politics.