Expand and deepen your grasp of Ayn Rand’s theory of concepts, with a focus on the use-value of the ideas.

Rand’s Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology (ITOE) is about the nature and mechanics of concept formation and the basic nature of objectivity. In this reading group, led by Craig Biddle, you will critically examine Rand’s arguments and the key principles of her theory of concepts, with a constant focus on two questions:

1. What evidence supports the various ideas and the theory as a whole?
2. What is the practical significance of the ideas for clear thinking, personal flourishing, and intellectual activism?

In advance of the first session, participants must read Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology, including “The Analytic-Synthetic Dichotomy” by Leonard Peikoff, and the Appendix, which consists of excerpts from epistemology workshops Rand held with several philosophers and intellectuals. Additional reading and writing assignments will require up to an hour a week outside of course time.

*To enroll in this course, you must have an invitation or permission from the instructor. Request permission by emailing Craig at [email protected].

Meet Your Instructor

Craig Biddle

Craig is cofounder and executive director of Objective Standard Institute, as well as cofounder and editor in chief of The Objective Standard. His books include Loving Life: The Morality of Self-Interest and the Facts that Support It; and Rational Egoism: The Morality for Human Flourishing; and the forthcoming Forbidden Facts: Moral Truths Your Parents, Preachers, and Teachers Don’t Want You to Know. He is also currently working on a book about thinking in principles. Learn more and join his mailing list at CraigBiddle.com.