Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology Reading Group*
with Craig Biddle
13.5 hours total | 9 sessions, beginning September 7, 2023
Expand and deepen your understanding of Ayn Rand’s theory of concepts, with a focus on the objectivity and use-value of the ideas.
Rand’s Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology (ITOE) is about the mental 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:
- Are the ideas supported by evidence and logic?
- 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].
Instructor
Craig Biddle
Craig is cofounder and executive director of Objective Standard Institute, cofounder and editor in chief of The Objective Standard, and executive director of Prometheus Foundation. His books include Loving Life: The Morality of Self-Interest and the Facts that Support It; 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. His book-in-progress is on thinking in principles. Learn more and join his mailing list at CraigBiddle.com.
Course & Session Schedule
- September 7, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- September 14, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- September 28, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- October 5, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- October 12, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- October 19, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- October 26, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- November 2, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
- November 9, 2023, 8am–9:30am PT
How the Course Works
This course is interactive and discussion-driven, so enrollment is limited. Register early to secure your spot.
The course is held live on Zoom, which you can download for free here. Sessions are video recorded, so if you miss a session (or want to review), you can watch the recording. OSI may sell course recordings and/or use them for marketing, promotional, or educational purposes.
The course is 10.5 hours long, consisting of 7 sessions of 1.5 hours each. Homework assignments will require up to an additional hour per week.
If you don’t have a copy of the book, you need to get one so you can read the chapters we’ll be discussing each week. You can purchase the book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BetterWorldBooks, or practically any other bookstore. We recommend a print copy of the book, but if you prefer an electronic copy, that is fine, too. (If your financial situation is such that you cannot afford to purchase a copy of the book, please let us know by emailing [email protected], and we will help you get one.)
Course handouts and supplementary materials are delivered via email. Course participants are invited to an exclusive OSI Courses group on Facebook, where they can post questions and engage in discussions with the instructor and other participants.
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Read our FAQ or email us at [email protected].
By enrolling, you agree to OSI’s Course Terms and Conditions.
