Students of Objectivism

A Student Organization at Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)

Latest announcement: Several new online resources are linked below.

What is Objectivism?

Objectivism is the system of philosophy developed by Ayn Rand (1905-1982), who is probably best known as the author of the novels The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957).

For the essentials, you might read the brief article "Introducing Objectivism." For a more substantial introduction, try Craig Biddle's "Introducing The Objective Standard," written for the inaugural issue of an Objectivist journal. A more scholarly perspective is found in "Ayn Rand and Objectivism: An Overview" by Gregory Salmieri and Allan Gotthelf of the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Leonard Peikoff's video lecture "An Introduction to Objectivism" is highly recommended.

Summer 2008 activities

Students of Objectivism at Georgia Tech is a chartered student organization dedicated to promoting Ayn Rand's philosophy. Most club activities are about discussing ideas and their relevance to life. Prospective members are welcome at all meetings. (Note that club membership is not taken to imply agreement with, or even extensive familiarity with Objectivism.)

Club activities this semester include:

• To be determined...

Additional resources

If you are interested in additional material, there are a number of places to look online. The Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) promotes Objectivism in the culture. Their writers have published numerous op-eds that offer an Objectivist perspective on current events. Free registration allows visitors to access a great quantity of audio and video recordings featuring Ayn Rand and ARI lecturers. There is also an ARI YouTube Channel.

Other notable websites:

• The Ayn Rand Lexicon is a "mini-encyclopedia of Objectivism."
• AtlasShrugged.com focuses on Rand's magnum opus. (See in particular the chapter-by-chapter commentary and additional audio commentary, but beware of plot spoilers therein.)
• Facets of Ayn Rand gives some idea of Rand as a person, as told by two of her friends. (See also audio recordings along these lines.)
• Dr. Leonard Peikoff, Ayn Rand's student, has been producing a regular podcast in which he answers questions on Objectivism.
• Dr. Yaron Brook of ARI has his own website.

There are essay contests on Ayn Rand's novels; the contests are open to students (including university students) and the prize money is substantial. Students who want to develop expertise in Ayn Rand's philosophy are encouraged to consider applying for the Objectivist Academic Center, which provides a formal course of study in Objectivism (and an opportunity to earn college credit). The Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism also sponsors a summer conference for university students on Atlas Shrugged and the moral foundations of capitalism.

Periodicals applying Objectivism include:

• The Objective Standard, a journal of culture and politics
• The Undercurrent, a newsletter intended for college students

Objectivist literature is available at bookstores everywhere (look for Ayn Rand's novels and essay collections) and at the Ayn Rand Bookstore, which carries recorded lectures and courses among other items. Of particular significance are Leonard Peikoff's two books:

• Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand (1991), a comprehensive presentation and defense of Ayn Rand's system of philosophy
• The Ominous Parallels (1982), a study of the impact of philosophy on the course of history

Recent academic publications related to Objectivism include:

• Tara Smith, Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics: The Virtuous Egoist (Cambridge University Press, 2006)
• Andrew Bernstein, The Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic, and Philosophic Case for Laissez-Faire (University Press of America, 2005)

Finally, Objectivist conferences are held annually, and the Ayn Rand Society (affiliated with the American Philosophical Association, Eastern Division) meets regularly.

Past events at Georgia Tech

The periodic appearances by Objectivist intellectuals at Georgia Tech offer the campus and community a unique perspective on important issues facing our culture. The following is a list of recent lectures on campus:

• "'No Substitute for Victory': The Defeat of Islamic Totalitarianism" (advertised title, based on an article titled thusly) by Dr. John D. Lewis, Senior Research Scholar in History and Classics, Social Philosophy and Policy Center, Bowling Green State University (March 13, 2008)
• "The Road to 9/11: The West's Failed Strategy of Compromise and Appeasement" (advertised title) by Mr. Elan Journo, Junior Fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. (September 20, 2007)
• "Religion vs. Morality" by Dr. Andrew Bernstein, Visiting Professor at Marist College. (November 14, 2006)
• "'Just War Theory' vs. American Self-Defense" (based on an article with the same title) by Dr. Yaron Brook, Executive Director of the Ayn Rand Institute, at a joint meeting of the Arnold Air Society and Scabbard & Blade. (February 6, 2006)
• "Why We Are Losing the War" (advertised title) by Dr. Yaron Brook, Executive Director of the Ayn Rand Institute. (March 17, 2005)
• "Global Capitalism: The Solution to World Oppression and Poverty" by Dr. Andrew Bernstein, author of The Capitalist Manifesto. (April 22, 2004)

Interested?

To join the club and get announcements, please consult this space in the near future for new contact information.