Product Description
The Essence of Objectivism is a six-lecture course, which provides a structured introduction to the key ideas of Objectivism -- the philosophy originated by the novelist/philosopher Ayn Rand. This course is intended for those who are new to Ayn Rand's work or have enjoyed her novels but are not deeply familiar with her philosophy. Here you will see how Rand's ideas fit together, how her philosophy is illustrated both in her fiction and in real life, and how Objectivism contrasts with philosophic and religious views that pervade our culture today.
Lectures include: ”Objectivism: Who Needs It?”; “Reason: Man’s Only Absolute”; “Living On Earth”; “Happiness: The Moral Purpose of Life”; “Productive Achievement: The Noblest Activity”; and “Capitalism as a Moral Ideal.” The course is accompanied by 48-page study guide, which outlines each lecture in detail with numerous visual aids and suggests topics for discussion and materials for further study.
About the Author
William Thomas is a graduate of Oberlin College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Michigan. He has been a lecturer at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia and conducted research under the auspices of the People’s University of China. Thomas has published essays on politics, ethics, and epistemology and has spoken internationally on the theory of individual rights and Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism. Currently, he is Manager of Research and Training at The OBJECTIVIST CENTER in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he edits the "Objectivist Studies" monograph series.
