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RohinGupta

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  1. Good Morning, today is July 20th. We completed the fiction part of Ayn Rand's career last week. Today we start studying the non-fiction part. As always, today I will post the questions covering the section. Participants can answer those, or pursue other methods for studying the section. Here is the section for this week : Week 4 NON FICTION WRITINGS AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVISM (PART 1) (Works other than Epistemology) Monday, 20th July - Sunday, 26th July - Changing vehicles - A Philosopher's provisional summary - Opening and Closing channels - Branch Books (Pg 233-241) Questions CHANGING VEHICLES Q1. What factors contributed to her decision to enter non-fiction? Q2. Apart from writing books, what means Ayn Rand used to spread her ideas in the initial years of nonfiction phase? Q3. While writing about fiction writing, how did Ayn Rand present the fundamentality of connection between conscious and sub-conscious mind, along with the relationship between abstract and concrete? Q4. Summarize / Describe content and significance of her lecture titled “Faith and Force : Destroyers of the Modern World”? Also specify connections she made between various branches of philosophy in this lecture? Q5. What lesson can “New Intellectuals” learn from latter phase of Ayn Rand's life? A PHILOSOPHER'S PROVISIONAL SUMMARY Q6. What is the content and significance of her book For the New Intellectual : The Philosophy of Ayn Rand”? Q7. Who are four primary philosophers in the history of philosophy? Why didn't they integrate their philosophical product into one volume? What we can infer about philosophy from this part of “history of ideas”? Q8. How are philosophical ideas disseminated? OPENING AND CLOSING CHANNELS Q9. Describe various communication channels of Ayn Rand in 60s? Also describe how they evolved overtime? BRANCH BOOKS Q10. Briefly describe the books of Ayn Rand in different branches of philosophy(apart from the book on branch of epistemology, which is discussed in next section)?
  2. Good Morning, today is Friday, 17th of July. Good to see the Study Group gaining momentum. Thanks to Josh for picking up the thread despite joining late due to OCON, really appreciate the speed of study. Now we need not postpone the group, as was the possibility being considered before. Thanks also to Greg for the discipline and punctuality shown. This has helped give impetus to the activity. Lets continue the great work. It might look small, and maybe even insignificant in bigger scheme of things.... But as Burgess demonstrated through his writings in "The Aristotle Adventure" and this book, its these small steps in various civilizations that paved the way for Renaissance and Enlightenment that transformed the world. Today I answer the questions posted on Monday. POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 3 AN IDEAL MAN, THE MAN OF REASON contd... Q1. How was “The Fountainhead” received and promoted? Ans: The Fountainhead appeared in market in 1943. It was sold to a major publication house. It received far fewer reviews than We The Living in both U.S. and in England. Some reviews identified theme of virtue of independence and underlying egoism in incomplete form. However it sold well, and its explicitly thematic passages implying support for reason disseminated her ideas. She sold storyline to a filmmaker, and with movie the novel rose again to bestseller lists. [References : a.) For close study of reviews, Essay “The Fountainhead reviews” by Michael Berliner in Mayhew's Essays on Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. b.) For general comparisons of reviews [between The Fountainhead and We The Living] Essay “Publishing The Fountainhead” in Mayhew's Essays on Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead”. c.) For selling of The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand by Britting, p61. d.) For her return to Hollywood : Britting, Ayn Rand p. 68.] Q2. Why did she move primary attention from “Ethics” to “Metaphysics and Epistemology” in her thinking and writings? Ans: While writing non-fiction book on the ethical principles in her novel The Fountainhead, she discovered that she needed first to further develop the foundations of her ethical ideas in metaphysics and epistemology. Thus she moved up in philosophical hierarchy. [References: For beginning of non-fiction book on her ethics, Ayn Rand by Britting, p73 and 76] THE FINAL NOVEL Q3. What was the political environment like, when writing of “Atlas Shrugged” got started? Ans: Rand started developing Atlas Shrugged in the year 1946. By that time World War II had ended, with National Socialist and Fascist states being crushed by US and its Western allies. This allowed equally destructive collectivist movement Communism to spread to Eastern Europe. Also, during that time cultural atmosphere in U.S. was gloomy, and statism was rising during the Depression and the war. Further, there was no intellectual opposition to the spread of Communism at that time. [ References: For Rand beginning “The mind on strike”, Ayn Rand by Britting, p79 ] Q4. Describe her general view on philosophy, and her particular views on philosophy of Kant? Ans: Philosophy was her favorite subject of conversation, and she considered it to be a matter of life or death in its consequences. Her evaluations, and therefore her emotions towards Kant's philosophy were negatively charged. Because Kant in his metaphysics had claimed that there is no reality. And this metaphysics invalidates efficacy of your mind in its epistemological consequences. And values like your husband, your work, the music you like, and your freedom are invalidated in its ethical consequences. [References: For Rand's philosophical passion, Ayn Rand by Britting, p76-77] Q4. What is a “theme” and “plot-theme”? Explain “theme” and “plot-theme” of Atlas Shrugged, working title of which was “The mind on strike”? How and why did scope evolve overtime? Ans: Meaning of Theme and Plot-Theme : A theme is the summation of a novel’s abstract meaning. The link between the theme and the events of a novel is an element which Ayn Rand called the plot-theme. It is the first step of the translation of an abstract theme into a story, without which the construction of a plot would be impossible. A “plot-theme” is the central conflict or “situation” of a story—a conflict in terms of action, corresponding to the theme and complex enough to create a purposeful progression of events. Theme : Theme of Atlas Shrugged was the relationship of the mind to reality, objectivity that is. More specifically, it was about logical relationship between facts of reality and ideas in the mind. Reason being the faculty that establishes that relationship. So the theme of Atlas Shrugged can be summarized as role and importance of reason. Plot-Theme : What would happen if the most creative – that is rational people, in a society went on strike against demands that they devote their lives to the service of others. Evolution of scope of the plot : Initial purpose of “The Mind on strike” was to show economic consequences of the philosophy implicit in her previous novel. Given the limited scope, she expected to complete the novel in 2 years. However, on proceeding she realized that she needed to integrate and demonstrate metaphysics and epistemology, along with ethics and politics. Metaphysics of this world, epistemology of reason, ethics of rational self-interest, and politics of lassiez-faire capitalism. Given this wider scope, the development of novel took fourteen years. [References: a.) For the meaning of theme, Ayn Rand lexicon referring from “Basic Principles of Literature,”The Romantic Manifesto, 81 b.) For the meaning of plot-theme, Ayn Rand lexicon referring to “Basic Principles of Literature,”The Romantic Manifesto, 85 c.) For origin of “The Mind on strike”, and evolution of the novel. Ayn Rand by Britting, p73] Q5. What was the plot of Atlas shrugged? Explain challenge in creating it, and role of Epistemology in fixing that challenge? [Hint: The answer will require knowledge that is not given in the text being studied. Knowledge of Atlas Shrugged storyline in more detail.] Ans: Plot is a logical but complex series of actions that the characters take to reach their goals. Actions of Dagny to build “John Galt Line”, or to find the destroyer. Actions of Francisco to convince Rearden to join the strike. Or actions of John Galt to ensure that the Objective of the strike is completed. ( Objective was to demonstrate the role of prime movers in the world, by pulling them out from society and causing the society to disintegrate because of their absence. And therefore clear the path for forming his kind of world. ) Challenge in writing the story : The major challenge of writing a story is integration, which involves three essential elements. a.) Particular characters. b.) Plot as a series of concrete actions. c.) Theme as an abstract meaning of story. The theme of Atlas Shrugged involved integrating metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, politics and economics to build characters and plot. The magnitude of integration involved was the major challenge in writing the novel. Role of reason in fixing that challenge : Applying reason involves integrating data of senses into abstractions about the world. One role of reason is to integrate various characteristics observed in man to form characters. Similarly, to integrate various events to form a logical plot. The selection of elements for integration, to form characters and plot being determined by theme, also involves reason. And the theme itself is formed by observation and integration of good and bad actions in real world. Q6. Explain concretization by explaining the role it plays in novel? Ans: Concretization enables “Objectification of values”, which is the primary purpose of art. (Of course, it assumes that artist has some values in first place). Objectify means to make values real by presenting them in concrete form. (While abstractions are also real, I assume here real is referring to sense-perceptible). “I think courage is good” being the example of abstract statement. And presenting courageous characters like John Galt and Jean Valjean in stories being the Objectification of courage. Theme of the story is the abstract value, and elements of story like particular scenes, actions of characters, and various other objects are the concretes that convey the theme. Rather than giving away just the Theme, writer conveys it through concretes. And reader comprehends the theme through concretes while he reads, and forms the abstraction(of theme) from these concretes. The formation of theme in readers might just be an impression(visual or part-visual plus associated emotions), rather than the theme in words that writer had thought of. [References: a.) For objectification of values, Art of fiction by Ayn Rand, pp13-14 b.) For the artistic circle starting with abstract theme in artist's mind, and ending as abstract theme in reader's mind. The transmission happening through the concretes like plot and characters of story. Art of fiction by Ayn Rand, pp12-13 ] Q7. John Galt speech was complex to create. How can you infer this from current text? Ans: John Galt speech in the climax was a 35000 word passage. Ayn Rand invested two years in thinking it through, then outlining, writing, rewriting, editing, and proof reading it for accuracy and clarity. (I read somewhere that initially she had thought that she will complete Galt speech in 3 months). [References: a.) For the development of Atlas Shrugged, “Ayn Rand” by Britting. b.) For evidence of development of the novel, Journals by Ayn Rand. Part 4(“Atlas Shrugged”) in general, but Ch. 14(“Notes While Writing Galt's speech”) in particular.] Q8. On what basis did she select the publication? Show that her apprehensions were correct? Ans: Ayn Rand had no trouble finding publisher for Atlas Shrugged because of the success of The Fountainhead. She wanted publishing company that could withstand the hostile criticism she expected. So she selected publisher where management recognized that the book was a radical rejection of Judeo-Christian culture. Reception of Atlas Shrugged among reviewers : The novel was attacked by both conservatives and the “progressives”. By former for atheism and egoism, and by the latter for defending Capitalism based on egoism. [a.) For choosing Random house as the publisher, and for various types of reviews, Ayn Rand by Britting, pp84-85.] Q9. Summarize Objectivism from what is given in the text? Ans: 1. Metaphysics : Facts exist independent of man's feelings, wishes, hopes, or fears. 2. Epistemology : Reason is man's only means of perceiving reality, only source of knowledge, and only means of survival. 3. Ethics : Pursuit of rational self-interest and own happiness is the highest moral purpose in life. 4. Politics : Capitalism is the ideal political system, because here men deal with each other by free, voluntary exchange for mutual benefit. [References : The above answer derived from the quotation in first column Ayn Rand wrote for “Los Angles Times” in 1962. Burgess has referred from “Objectivism” in Ayn Rand Lexicon, p344. And this “Objectivism” entry refers to “The Objectivist Newsletter”, August 1962, p35. The full text of the original column is available in the book The Ayn Rand column by Peter Schwartz. This book is a collection of twenty-six columns Ayn Rand wrote.]
  3. Good Morning, today is Monday, July 13th, 2015. I will be posting the questions for 3rd week. Few months back I read in facebook that Burgess researched the subjects for 15 years. So its a very well thought out material, which might not be immediately apparent from the book volume. So this study-group I think can help in understanding the depth of content. The questions are as follows POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 3 Questions AN IDEAL MAN, A MAN OF REASON Contd... Q1. How was “The Fountainhead” received and promoted? Q2. Why did she move primary attention from “Ethics” to “Metaphysics and Epistemology” in her thinking and writings? THE FINAL NOVEL Questions Q3. What was the political environment like, when writing of “Atlas Shrugged” got started? Q4. Describe her general view on philosophy, and her particular views on philosophy of Kant? Q5. What is a “theme” and “plot-theme”? Explain “theme” and “plot-theme” of Atlas Shrugged, working title of which was “The mind on strike”? How and why did scope evolve overtime? Q6. What was the plot of Atlas shrugged? Explain challenge in creating it, and role of Epistemology in fixing that challenge? [Hint: Part of The answer will require knowledge that is not given in the text being studied. Knowledge of Atlas Shrugged storyline in this case.] Q7. Explain concretization by explaining the role it plays in novel? Q8. John Galt speech was complex to create. How can you infer this from current text? Q9. On what basis did she select the publication? Show that her apprehensions were correct? Q10. Summarize Objectivism from what is given in the text?
  4. Here are the answers to Part 2 of this week's questions POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 2 - An ideal man, a man of reason Q3. Describe theme, plot theme, and main character of “The Fountainhead”? How does the theme represent Rand's overall progression as a writer? Ans: The theme of novel was ethical, a defense of rational egoism, specifically the “virtue of independence”. Main character of the novel was an architect who designed buildings guided not by traditions, social approval, or personal whim. But by using reason to understand the nature of each site, the building's materials, and the client's needs. The struggle of the architect to uphold his integrity and independence against different type of people in society is the plot-theme of novel. Type of people ranging from antagonistic Dominique and Wayanand, to mostly resenting Keating, to the ideological foe Toohey. [References: a.) For the portrayal of the ideal man being a step towards “Central Purpose of Life”, Ayn Rand by Britting, p52-53 b.) For the theme of “The Fountainhead” being the conflict between “individualism and collectivism”, Art of Fiction by Ayn Rand.] Q4. How did study of Ethics and Politics contribute to Ayn Rand's central purpose in life, presenting ideal man that is? Ans: Since Ayn Rand's purpose was presenting of an ideal man, she had to define and present the conditions that made him possible, and which his continued existence required. Since man's character is the product of his philosophical premises, she had to define and present the kind of premises and values that create the character of an ideal man and motivate his actions; that is a rational code of ethics. Since man acts among and deals with other men, she had to present the kind of social system that makes it possible for ideal men to exist and to function – a free, productive, rational system, which demands and rewards the best in every man, great or average, and which is obviously, laissez-faire capitalism. [Reference: For the description of her process of developing an ideal man in society, Romantic Manifesto, p-163, Rand.] Q5. How was the method of writing “The Fountainhead” different from writing “We The Living”? What preparations did she do for “The Fountainhead”? Ans: Unlike We The Living, characters of The Fountainhead were not historical individuals. The setting also was not a particular historical period, the years after the Communist Revolution in Russia being the setting for We The Living. In The Fountainhead, Rand's characters are literary abstractions. She examined individuals in her own time and abstracted certain qualities, the essential(explanatory, causal) characters that made them recognizable ethical types. While still having descriptive touches, the “concretes”, that make them particular individuals. This method of integration of abstractions and concretes became a hallmark of her fiction writing. Preparations for “The Fountainhead” Rand did mainly three tasks prior to start of writing “The Fountainhead”(working title of which was “The second hand lives”) in June 1938. a.) Researched architecture as a field. b.) Worked in architect's office. c.) Took notes and built outline. [References: For Rand concretizing abstractions in her fiction, and also the preparations she made : Shoshana Milgram's essay “The Fountainhead from Notebook to Novel” in Robert Mayhew's Essays on Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.] Q6. What was the theme and style of Anthem? Ans: Rand wrote novelette(a small novel) in 1937. Its theme was egoism, and its style was prose-poem. (Prose-poem is the type of poetry characterized by its “lack of” line breaks) [References: Britting, Ayn Rand, p53.] Q7. What was her purpose of writing journals? Ans: The journals were the place for Ayn Rand to think aloud about emerging philosophical and literary issues. [Journals by Ayn Rand by David Harriman - “First Philosophic Journal” and “Notes while writing Galt's speech”.] Q8. Why did she join political campaign in 1940 presidential election, and why did she later abandon it? Which intellectual skill did she start developing here? Ans: She joined campaign against increasingly statist President Roosevelt. She did so by aligning with pro-market economy intellectuals who worked for the campaign of Republican candidate Willkie. She became dismayed by Willkie's presidential campaign because it was unprincipled. During the campaign she engaged in public speaking, a form of communication that was new to her. [For Rand's political and socio-intellectual activities around 1940, Ayn Rand by Britting, pp 57-58 and 61-62.] Q9. How Ayn Rand engaged and expanded her social network? Ans: To discuss and examine foundations of free market in philosophy, she wrote many letters, some to other intellectuals such as Issabel Paterson. She focused on ideas that intrigued her, some of which were later published. After publication of “The Fountainhead” she got letters from the readers. She responded to them in letters, which were sometimes as big as 10 pages. [1] She also tried to organize conservative intellectuals and businessmen to explore foundations of reason, but failed. [2] From the section “THE FINAL NOVEL” [Prior to moving to New York] At her home near Hollywood, she entertained numerous visitors ranging from local college political science class to fans, publishers, writers, and actors. She discussed Philosophy, as she considered the subject as the matter of “Life and Death”, and her words and emotions expressed her evaluations.[3] In early 1950s, while writing “Atlas Shrugged” her network continued to grow. It included young readers who wanted to know about the philosophy behind the novel, since the philosophy in the novel was only partially spelled out. It included Nathaniel Branden the psychologist, Leonard Peikoff a young student, and Alan Greenspan an Economist.[4] (There may be more instances in later sections that I have not integrated here.) [References : 1. For selections of Rand's letters to Patterson : Letters by Rand, p61, Ch 5, 1943-1948, the end of friendship. 2. For Rand's attempt to work with Conservatives and Businessmen, Ayn Rand by Britting, pages 61 and 65. 3. For the quotation about Rand concertizing, in personal terms, the statements of philosophers, Ayn Rand by Britting, p76. This was further cited from Ayn Rand : Sense of Life by Layton. 4. For Philosophical admirers joining Rand's network, Ayn Rand, by Britting, p88].
  5. Here is PART 1 of the answers to this week's questions POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 2 - America – Free to write Q1. Describe Rand's career plans, and what she did to achieve those? Ans: Her career plan was to become a screenwriter, later graduating into literature. In Chicago Rand watched films and wrote film scenarios that a cousin translated into English. Rand hoped to show them to producers. On arriving in Hollywood however, she did not find work as a writer, and so she became extra in her favorite director Cecil. B DeMilli's movies. She next worked as a junior screenwriter, performing research for DeMille's story department. She also worked in a clerical job for film's wardrobe department. To improve her use of English language, she developed a self-directed routine of reading serious literature in English. Also, she wrote in personal journal, long letters to her family in Russia, and short stories in the manner of O. Henry. [References: The information in the answer is taken from the following sources : - For Ayn Rand's stay in Chicago, time at DeMille's, her wardrobe job and writings, Ayn Rand by Britting]. Q2. Describe methods and motivations of Ayn Rand, while she was writing We The Living? What role did the writing play in her achievement of “Central Purpose of Life”? Ans: Ayn Rand started working on We The Living in 1929. 1.) Methods : a.) Outline : Writing of outline, using which writer establishes a logical flow of events. b.) Working Title : She gave “working title” as “Airtight”. “Working title” enables writer to give greater focus to the subject and theme. Later title like “We The Living” is less direct and more intriguing. c.) Theme : The theme of “Airtight” was ethical and political. “The supreme value of a human life, and the evil of a totalitarian state that claims the right to sacrifice it”. d.) Language : Rand's limited command over English made first draft even more difficult. She would get up at 5:30am sometimes, as she was also going to her job. 2. Motivations : The novel was a step forward, but not yet a full implementation of her central purpose in life. Her central purpose in life being to show the character of an ideal man, and by implication, the philosophical ideas that guide his actions. ( She would reach philosophical maturity only in her forties and fifties, like many other philosophers. Only after that maturity could she articulate the philosophical nature of ideal man.) Role of the writing in achievement of “Central Purpose of Life” There were benefits of writing that enabled achievement of “Central Purpose of Life”. While writing “Airtight” she was able to abstract from her own experiences. And that abstraction enabled her to articulate three points. a.) Her view of the ideal man's psychological nature. ( That is what things were important to ideal man. Like independence, centrality of purpose, and integrity. The character traits visible in two men in Kira's life). b.) Her own admiring attitude towards that ideal. c.) Certain broad political and ethical ideas she held as the proper context for the ideal man. [References : a.) For Ayn Rand's methods, an article by Shosha Milgram “From Airtight to We The Living” in Essays on Ayn Rand's We The Living, by Robert Mayhew. b.) Also for writing of Airtight, Ayn Rand by Britting, pp 39-40 and 121. c.) For difficulty in composing We The Living, Britting, Ayn Rand, pp 40 – 41.] Q3. Describe her initial success, before the point where she started writing “The Fountainhead”? A3. In 1932, she made her first professional sale of an original work, an outline of the play Red Pawn. In 1933, she gained greater financial success with sale of the play “Penthouse Legend”(later titled, Night of January 16th). In 1934, she completed her first novel, formerly “Airtight”, now called We The Living, which her literary agent circulated among publishers. She moved to New York City to get We The Living published. She worked here as a freelance reader, evaluating English, French, German, and Russian novels as possible sources for the movies. On moving to New York City she found another literary agent. Despite opposition by some members, including Communist leaning Granville Hicks, the supporters of novel won. On being printed, the novel received many reviews, majority of which were positive. Reviews were positive about Rand's style and her ideas, though other reviewers ignored, misrepresented, or failed to understand philosophical points of the novel. Rand knew the novel had writing errors, but she was proud of the plot and the theme, and she could now assert some commercial success in three media : storylines for Hollywood movies, a Broadway play, and a first novel. [References: a.) For Penthouse Legend, Britting, Ayn Rand, pp41-42 b.) On publishing of We The Living, Britting's Ayn Rand pp47-48. c.) Berliner's chapter on “Reviews of We The Living” from Essays on Ayn Rand's We The Living by Robert Mayhew pp 147-151. d.) For rejection, as well as residence and work changes : Britting, Ayn Rand 41, 42-43, and 53(for the languages of the novels). For mention of her work as a reader: Richard E. Ralston, “Publishing The Fountainhead”, in Mayhew, Essays on Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead.]
  6. I agree that discussion is much better than debates, when talking to like minded or at least like thinking people. But you can still debate as a non-expert, after thinking through some obvious flaws on public issues, if crucial values are at stake. Obamacare and Progressive education are the issues that come to mind. You can use citations of Objectivists like "Ayn Rand Lexicon". Here is the blog by Burgess on the subject - http://aristotleadventure.blogspot.in/2012/01/activists-choices.html
  7. Good Morning, today is Monday, July 6th, 2015. I will be posting the questions for 2nd week. As always, primary focus of the study group remains text of the book. The external related references are secondary, and disagreements with author or other participants are tertiary. POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 2 INITIAL YEARS IN AMERICA, TILL THE PUBLICATION OF "THE FOUNTAINHEAD" Monday, 6th July - Sunday, 12th July Questions - America – Free to write Q1. Describe Rand's career plans, and what she did to achieve those? Q2. Describe methods and motivations of Ayn Rand, while she was writing initial novels prior to “The Fountainhead” and “Anthem”? What role did the writings play in her achievement of “Central Purpose of Life”? Q3. Describe her initial success, before the point where she started writing “The Fountainhead”? - An ideal man, a man of reason Q4. Describe theme, plot theme, and main character of “The Fountainhead”? How does the theme represent Rand's overall progression as a writer? Q5. How did study of Ethics and Politics contribute to Ayn Rand's central purpose in life, presenting ideal man that is? Q6. How was the method of writing “The Fountainhead” different from writing “We The Living”? What preparations did she do for “The Fountainhead”? Q7. What was the theme and style of Anthem? Q8. What was her purpose of writing journals? Q9. Why did she join political campaign in 1940 presidential election, and why did she later abandon it? Which intellectual skill did she start developing here? General Question Q10. How Ayn Rand engaged and expanded her social network? (Hint: Some part of answer from “The Final Novel” section)
  8. Today we also remember Burgess on his 71st birthday. The start week was chosen for this reason. This is his first birthday after his passing on August 29 last year. His ideas and writings deserve to be immortalized, and study-group is the step in that direction.
  9. Here are the answers to Part 2 of this week's questions POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 1 PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES Answers Q3. What subjects Ayn Rand majored in and why? A3. She majored in History for acquiring understanding of development of man from past. And she studied philosophy so that she could define her broadest values. [For her university studies - Britting, Ayn Rand] Q4. What according to her later writings was the purpose of philosophy? How did she discover importance of metaphysics and epistemology? A4. Man needs philosophy so that he can act in order to live. For acting he needs to make choices, and “Ethics” branch of philosophy gives guidelines to man for making choices. Ethics however is not primary. It requires discovery of code of values. And that discovery is possible only using some “method of thinking”. The guidelines for “method of thinking” are given by “Epistemology” branch of philosophy. Epistemology also requires view of nature of man, and the type of universe he lives in. Like whether its knowable by man using observation - reason or by intuition / faith etc. This study of “nature of man” and the “nature of universe” he lives in is done using “Metaphysics” branch of philosophy. Her view on importance of philosophy could also be inferred from what she thought about Kant and other Western philosophers. When discussing Kant's writing she got emotionally charged because his writings in essence invalidated mind by saying that there is no reality. And implication of this invalidation was nullification of values like your husband, your love, your work, music you like, and your freedom. She disliked obscurity of philosophers, and as an alternative studied honest reporting of obscure philosophers(like Kant) from secondary sources. These writings clearly conveyed the essence of primary obscure writings. [References: For the importance of philosophy, Britting, Ayn Rand, p92. And The Romantic Manifesto pp 37-38 hardback edition. For the views on Kant, Britting, Ayn Rand, p76-77]. HOW SHE DISCOVERED IMPORTANCE OF METAPHYSICS AND EPISTEMOLOGY While writing for a follow up project after The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand discovered the need to develop foundation of Ethical ideas, and so started moving down the philosophical hierarchy towards metaphysics and epistemology, which had more fundamental concepts. [References: Ayn Rand beginning a nonfiction book on her ethics : Britting, Ayn Rand, p73 and p74] Q5. What were Ayn Rand's influences in college? A5. a.) Aristotle : She admired his support for rational mind. b.) Nietzsche : There was high regard for outstanding individual in Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra. This was similar to Ayn Rand's vision of an “ideal man” from childhood stories. This regard caused admiration. But later assault on reason in Nietzsche's “The Birth of Tragedy” led to her rejecting his philosophy. Further, I think details of her explicit rejection can also be seen in her rejection of Nietzsche giving primacy to “Dionysus”(signifying emotions) over “Apollo”(signifying reason) in her essay “Apollo and Dionysus”. [References: a. For Ayn Rand's views on Aristotle and Nietzche, Britting, Ayn Rand. b. Robert Mayhew's discussion of “Nietzschean passages” in the 1936 ed. of her first novel We The Living. The discussion is available in the essay “We the Living : '36 and '59,” in Robert Mayhew ed., Essays on Ayn Rand's We the Living, 2004.] Q6. List positive and negative elements of Rand's life during her college years? A6. A. Negative Elements 1. Leningrad State University expelling Rosenbaum and other “non proletarian” students. Negative reaction from Europe however, led to their reinstatement. B. Positive Elements 1. Western culture penetrating into Leningrad, and Ayn Rand discovering joy brought by the European operettas and cinema. 2. Ayn Rand graduating with honors and enrolling in State Institute for Cinema Arts. 3. She outlined plays and novels she intended to complete later. [a. For her time at university – Britting, Ayn Rand, pp 23,24 b. For her love of operettas and cinema – Britting, Ayn Rand, pp 22-23] Q7. What role do you think college life played in her development as an intellectual? A7. While Ayn Rand widely read many philosophers from primary and secondary sources, Aristotle is the only philosopher whose influence she has acknowledged. And looks like she got introduced to his explicit ideas in college.(Implicit ideas like “Application of Logic”, as we see from text, were taken from school in Crimea). Nizetsche is the other intellectual who influenced her partially, and he too was introduced in the college. The artistic studies, operettas, and cinema in college contributed to her aesthetic ideas. Q8. Why she decided to leave Russia? How did she do it? What is the relationship between this decision, and decision to change her name? A8. Why : After her expulsion and subsequent reinstatement, I think Ayn Rand concluded that long term there cannot be any freedom in Russia. So to write she must leave Russia. The expulsion I think was just a trigger, Alisa had misgivings about Communism ever since 1917. [Last sentence is not from the text. About the misgivings I read somewhere, and expulsion being the trigger is just an educated guess.] How : She traveled to Latvia and obtained Visa. Changing name : To protect her family back in Russia, and to break away from her past, she changed the name to “Ayn Rand” from “Alisa Rosenbaum”. [References: On changing name Rand, Letters, p40, and “Frequently Asked Questions” of “Ayn Rand Institute” website which contains excerpts of ARIs newletter Impact from June, 2000]
  10. Here are the answers to Part 1 of this week's questions POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 1 RUSSIA IN TURMOIL - ANSWERS General observation : Work of Burgess is mostly chronological in nature. I have found combining logically similar elements in different sections(like Politics, Artistic, Ethical, Economic, Epistemological-metaphysical) as best way to study his work. Q1. The section lists positive and negative elements in Russian culture around the time Ayn Rand was born as Alisa Rosenbaum. Separate and list these elements. Try labeling the lists as Political, Economic, and artistic, apart from positive and negative. Also answer why you think these events are necessary in understanding Ayn Rand the intellectual? Ans: The political events in Russia were very negative at the time Ayn Rand was born and brought up. A. NEGATIVE POLITICAL EVENTS a.) Christian orthodoxy, Russian Nationalism, and autocracy were the dominant political ideas in Russia at that time. Autocracy being the system of government in which one person enjoys unlimited [political] power. And this power was vested to Czar claiming that God had given that power. [This text has been referenced from “A History of the Modern World”, Ch 17 - “The Russian Revolution”, Sec 92, “The Revolution of 1905”, “Background and Revolutionary Events”.(Is “Revolution of 1905” a misprint that should have been “Revolution of 1917”.)] b.) Businesses had to bribe bureaucrats for protection from government regulation, and some even to form coercive monopolies. This led to less number of businesses, and therefore more workers ended up competing for fewer jobs. [Taken from the Book “Russian Economic History, The Nineteenth Century” and also books by Paul. R. Gregory and Peter Gatrell. Differentiating feature of these writings being that they understand difference between command economy and market economy. (Command economy referring to economy regulated by Government pull I think.)] c.) 2 million Russian soldiers captured, wounded, or killed in “World War I” with Germany and Austrian-Hungarian empire. [“History of Modern World” → “The revolution of 1917” → “End of Tsardom”] d.) Political instability leading to “February revolution” and later “October revolution” in 1917. Czarist regime collapsing some time after former, and latter replacing Constitutional-Socialist Duma with radical communists. [“History of Modern World” → “The revolution of 1917” → “End of Tsardom”] e.) After gaining control, communists forming secret police, Red Army, and gangs of labor that stole food from successful farmers. f.) Russian civil war between 1918 to 1920, where mass murder and Red Terror was employed by the communists. g.) Communists closing Pharmacy of Ayn Rand's father when she was 13, and her father having to use hidden cash and jewelry to move to Crimea. [Britting] NEGATIVE ECONOMIC ELEMENTS a.) Disease, threat of starvation, and flight from red terror reducing Petrograd's population by two-thirds. (e.g f.) from previous section, and a.) from this section are taken from “History of the Modern World” → “The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917” and “The New Regime : The Civil War”] POSITIVE POLITICAL ELEMENTS 1. Growth of science and technology, and emphasis on individual rights coming from Western culture. These aspects were most visible in St Petersburg when Ayn Rand(Alisa Rosenbaum that is) was growing up. POSITIVE ECONOMIC ELEMENTS 1. Alisa Rosenbaum began her life in a prosperous, ambitious, and cosmopolitan family. [Jeff Britting Book] POSITIVE EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS 1. In Crimea, Ayn Rand attending a high school which operated on higher, pre-Soviet educational standard. 2. Ayn Rand learning about Aristotle's logic in school. Also, Ayn Rand learning about political system of United States, which was geared up to protect well defined individual rights of each and every citizen. [Britting for 1-2] Here is why I think this answer is important for understanding Ayn Rand the intellectual. The early life experiences act as starting point of the intellectual. If I am to look at my own starting point in life, the events like “Assassination of Prime Minister”, events leading up to it, liberalization of economy, etc. are some of the events that initially attracted me to political philosophy. More importantly, they acted as personal reference points when I studied any abstract philosophical principle like Capitalism, socialism, etc. So I think the events around childhood of Ayn Rand, and even those just before she was born, sum up the culture in which she was brought up. And understanding these can help us understand her writings better, since some of these events were reference points for her when she wrote. Q2. List interests and methods of Ayn Rand as a child? What is their importance in understanding her as an intellectual? ARTISTIC INTERESTS OF AYN RAND AS A CHILD 1. First silent films that Ayn Rand saw at the age of 8, enabling her to write scenarios(I think it refers to short screenplays, or particular scenes). She also read purposeful detective story in French. In this story detective solves mystery using logic. Maurice Champagne's plot of French story translated as “The Mysterious Valley” lead Ayn Rand to discover story telling as a means of portraying ideal man. 2. Alisa Rosenbaum discovering vivid, valaue charged world of Victor Hugo novels. The literature that was categorized as Romanticist movement. [ Britting, and Ayn Rand's Aesthetics from “The Romantic Manifesto – A Philosophy of literature”] INTERESTS OF AYN RAND INVOLVING ETHICS, EPISTEMOLOGY AND METAPHYSICS 1. Rosenbaum asking herself why she liked some things more than the others. And forming of likes as generalizations leading to thinking in principles. Listing evidence for likes also leading to discovery of reason. [Britting] 2. In Crimea high school, Alisia Rosenbaum discovering that she enjoyed making difficult things understandable to others.[For the school in Crimea – Britting, p17] Understanding these aspects of her early childhood provide insight into what she did later in life, and also how she did it. Her love for scenarios, stories, and heroes tell us why she became novelist. And her methods of introspecting on likes, and communication skills, help us understand how she had developed her writing, analytical and integrating skills quite early in life.
  11. The main study-group has started today in private forum in the Laboratory section. Participants are requested to move to the following link from now on - http://forum.objectivismonline.com/index.php?showtopic=28351&p=336689#entry336689
  12. Good Morning, today is Monday, June 29, 2015. The study-group starts today. I will be posting questions every Monday from sections that are scheduled for that week. The participants can answer those questions after studying the corresponding text. I will post my answers on following Friday or Saturday. We will try to close the section on Sunday, but its possible some discussions move to next week. Apart from Q&A format, participants are free to pursue their own method. Other methods can be writing summary, outline, or analysis and synthesis of key sections(which Ayn Rand called chewing of content). Please note however, the primary focus of the study-group is on corresponding text. External references, and disagreements with author or other participants,may be taken as a secondary topic connecting the main threads. So here are the questions for this week. POWER AND GLORY – THE KEY IDEAS AND CRUSADING LIVES OF EIGHT DEBATERS OF REASON VS FAITH RAND : A PHILOSOPHICAL NOVELIST DEFENDS REASON – OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING WEEK 1 Questions RUSSIA IN TURMOIL Q1. The section lists positive and negative elements in Russian culture around the time Ayn Rand was born as Alisa Rosenbaum. Separate and list these elements. Try labelling the lists as Political, Economic, and artistic, apart from positive and negative. Q2. List interests and methods of Ayn Rand as a child? [General note : In your posts, try to put references mentioned in footnote] PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES Q3. What subjects Ayn Rand majored in and why? General Question: Requires reference to section other than the one being studied Q4. What according to her later writings was the purpose of philosophy? How did she discover importance of metaphysics and epistemology? (Hint: 229,230 page numbers) Q5. What were Ayn Rand's influences in college? Q6. List positive and negative elements of Rand's life during her college years? Q7. What role do you think college life played in her development as an intellectual? Q8. Why she decided to leave Russia? How did she do it? What is the relationship between this decision, and decision to change her name?
  13. Came across this lecture delivered by Lisa VanDamme in 1998. The lecture describes her experiences, learnings about educating middle school children in particular, while homeschooling 5 kids aged 11 and 12. She started homeschooling after parents disappointed by mainstream system came to her. Here is the full lecture : http://www.vandammeacademy.com/pdf/Reclaiming_Education.pdf The highlight of the lecture are the key principles demonstrated by transformation in kids within a span of 2 years. Here are some of the important lines from various sections : INTRODUCTION : I teach the children literature, writing, grammar, vocabulary, math, science, and history. All of my students play musical instruments and are involved in sports, but these are strictly extra-curricular activities. LITERATURE : It is very stimulating to a child to understand that a novel is not just a sequence of events or a set of interesting characters, but that these characters and events are carefully and deliberately chosen by the author to convey a particular theme. By teaching them the fundamentals of literary analysis, you open their eyes to a new and profoundly important dimension of literature. Instead of passive observers, they become thoughtful scholars with the ability to integrate the characters and action to determine the novel’s theme. WRITING : Being able to write means being able to take a chaotic mass of information, pick out essentials, organize them into a logical structure, and express them articulately. Being able to write is essentially being able to think. The process of writing is not taught in today’s schools. GRAMMAR AND VOCABULARY : I also want to mention that I strongly recommend that every child be taught how to diagram sentences. A diagram brings the relationships among the words in a sentence to the perceptual level. MATHS : I must say though, that I think to some extent math is an end-in-itself. I do not think it is necessary to bend over backwards trying to show a child that every math skill he acquires will be directly useful to him. Math trains children in the skill of deductive reasoning. What is motivating to a child about doing math is not that he is convinced he cannot survive without it. It is the pleasure he derives from the mental exertion, and from knowing he can use his mind to solve a complex problem. SCIENCE : One day, Mr. Harriman was teaching the kids about the first evidence for the existence of atoms. He had spent several hours explaining many of the discoveries made by chemists, and he reached the Law of Combining Volumes, which states that the volumes of gases involved in a chemical reaction can always be expressed as a ratio of small integers. (For example, 2 L of H will combine with 1 L of O to make 2L of steam.) Francisco, as focused and intent as always, thought about this for a minute, and then raised his hand and asked, “Does that mean that equal volumes of gases contain equal numbers of molecules?” HISTORY : My students love history, and they are able to recount the essentials of history from Ancient Greece to the early 19th century. When I finished telling them the details of the trip, Aurora let out a big sigh, and lamented that she had been unable to appreciate these things when she had visited Europe two years before. CONCLUSION : “Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these pupils of mine are some sort of superhuman creatures. They’re something much greater and more astounding than that: they’re normal children.” My students have the knowledge and the love of learning possible to all children given a good education.
  14. Dr. Peikoff mentions her in DIM hypothesis while explaining 'I' mode of education. Don't remember the exact context.
  15. So here comes the final post of preparatory section. Answers to questions I posted on Tuesday, June 22 from acknowledgment section. Q1. What information does “Acknowledgments” give about the nature of book? Ans: In the Acknowledgments section, Burgess begins by mentioning that the book is like a report of student. And that this report is derived from the works of various scholars, who identified and interpreted facts about various debates. Debates that have been further presented and analyzed in this book. Burgess used his study of the [reason-faith] debate, and also observations in current time, to structure the content of this book. Q2. What role did various other individuals play in this book? Ans: Burgess worked directly with some individuals for the book. The individuals studied drafts of respective chapters and reviewed it. Burgess worked with separate individual for each chapter. The portions where there was disagreement, it actually made things clearer. By their very nature(hugely abstract), the disagreement in philosophical passages is often. Q3. Who reviewed the Ayn Rand chapter? Ans: Burgess worked with Michael Berliner for the chapter on Ayn Rand. Michael has reviewed the first draft of the chapter. Michael Berliner is PhD, and is also the co-chair of the board of directors of the Ayn Rand Institute.
  16. Final call - The study-group will start next Monday in the following thread. http://forum.objectivismonline.com/index.php?showtopic=28351 Only those who have confirmed participation in this thread can participate. So hurry before the offer closes....
  17. You can also buy kindle version of book(even if you don't own the device). The book can then be read on browser using amazon kindle cloud reader. It costs $8.21, roughly 550 rupees or less. The value you get is priceless..!! http://www.amazon.com/Power-Glory-Crusading-Debaters-ebook/dp/B004FGMWFQ
  18. SCHEDULE START WEEK - Monday, 29th June, 2015. END WEEK - Monday, 2nd August, 2015. Week 1 YEARS IN RUSSIA Monday, 29th June - Sunday, 5th July - Russia in Turmoil - Philosophical Studies (Pg 217-222) Week 2 INITIAL YEARS IN AMERICA, TILL THE PUBLICATION OF "THE FOUNTAINHEAD" Monday, 6th July - Sunday, 12th July - America – Free to write - An ideal man, a man of reason (Pg 222-228) Week 3 FROM RECEPTION OF "THE FOUNTAINHEAD", TO THE RECEPTION OF "ATLAS SHRUGGED" Monday, 13th July - Sunday, 19th July - (Contd..) An ideal man, a man of reason - The final novel (Pg 228-233) Week 4 NON FICTION WRITINGS AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVISM (PART 1) (Works other than Epistemology) Monday, 20th July - Sunday, 26th July - Changing vehicles - A Philosopher's provisional summary - Opening and Closing channels - Branch Books (Pg 233-241) Week 5 NON FICTION WRITINGS AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVISM (PART 2) (Mainly work related to Epistemology) Monday, 27th July - Sunday, 2nd August - A Definition of Reason - Shifting Gears - Reason as Integration (Pg 241-245) Week 6 REVIEW, SUMMARY, AND FUTURE STUDIES Monday, 29th June, 2015. I have framed 48 Questions which I will split across 5 weeks. Participants can answer all or some of those questions. Of course, participants are free to study by summarizing, outlining, or chewing sections of their choice from the text under study for that week.
  19. The main study-group is just 1 week away.... Here are questions from Acknowledgements section THE POWER AND THE GLORY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Questions Q1. What information does “Acknowledgments” here give about the nature of book? Q2. What role did various other individuals play in this book? Q3. Who reviewed the Ayn Rand chapter?
  20. ANSWERS FOR INTRODUCTION TO “THE POWER AND THE GLORY” (PART 2) Q7. In current context, why does the writer think its necessary to define key terms like reason? Ans: The term like reason refers to idea. However, if we look at the history of that idea, we see that its terms have changed from logos, to ratio, to raison etc. And more importantly, the debater's interpretation of the idea varies. However, there has to be one meaning in reality that should be used as a standard. Then the position of debaters can be compared against this standard. This method of comparison thus offers continuity across debaters of same idea. And thus the definition acts as a standard, making it easier to abstract relevant elements in position. Q8. Briefly explain reason, as it is described here? Ans: Reason has following characteristics. Its the ability of mind to integrate ideas – concepts, principles, and theories – starting from many sense perceptibles in reality. The faculty that double checks these ideas to ensure that they are formed logically. That is to ensure that these are consistent with the facts of reality. After forming ideas and then double checking them, apply these ideas to understand and solve problems of life. Problems ranging from narrow technical ones to universal ethical issues. To summarize, reason is the faculty to understand facts and then form values from them. Further, the text gives example of a person(most likely this is autobiographical example by Burgess) who uses reason to understand his disease and then cure it. Q9. Briefly explain faith, as it is described here? Ans: Faith is the acceptance of belief, even if the belief does not have any evidence in sense perception. Or many a times even if belief is contradicted by sense perception. As a substitute(or pseudo substitute) for sense perception, faith uses the following Some inner voices, usually God's. Outer sources like the following a.) God directly speaking to the believer like Moses. b.) Holy scripture like Quran. c.) Transmission of revelation through oral or written tradition. d.) Divinely inspired authority like a priest. Trinity in Christianity is used as an example of faith based ideas. Burgess also clarified that he is an advocate of reason alone. But to minimize redundancy and distraction, he is not using scare words like “so called” or “supposed” before God etc. Q10. How does structure of philosophy help writer and reader? Ans: The views on reason and faith are complex. And apart from definition, proper knowledge of hierarchy of thought is needed to understand the elements of reason, and elements of faith in a particular philosophical position. That is whether the position is for action(Ethics), association(politics), knowing(epistemology), or overall view of reality(metaphysics). Q11. Summarize each branch of philosophy with brief description? Ans: Metaphysics : Metaphysics asks and answers, What is the basic nature of the world? For e.g. is it a single world which is visible to our senses(Aristotle)? Or two worlds, one visible and another distant(Plato)? Epistemology : Epistemology asks and answers, How can I know about the world and myself? It follows from, is caused by, and is therefore explained by metaphysics. It is the branch that most directly applies to reason/faith debate. Ethics : Ethics asks and answers the following. Once I am given the nature of the world(by metaphysics), and how I might know it(by Epistemology), what should I do? That is, what should we do in life. And this is the main focus in every philosophy and religion. Politics : Politics asks and answers, How can we apply ethics to our relations with other individuals in society? In particular, organize society and define the relationship of government to individuals living under it. Aesthetics : It asks and answers, what is the relationship of art to the individual and the world. Principles that underlie creation of art works and explain their role in life. Further, main concern in the book is with metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. But occasionally all five levels will be connected for most philosophers. ( I think all five levels are discussed for Ayn Rand ). Q12. How can studying references be useful? What is the nature of these references? Ans: The book does not provide complete biographies, in-depth philosophical analysis, or proofs of statements. These topics can be leads to further information, and can be accessed through references. Some references are for students and general readers, and others are technical, intended for scholars. Philosophical and historical encyclopedias can be followed up by beginners.
  21. Trailer can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VFCfcwFtGAY **************************SPOILER ALERT******************* "Tanu Weds Manu returns" starts with the separation of Indian couple in London, Tanu and Manu. Cause of separation can easily be inferred to as the overly dominating nature of Tanu. On return to India, Tanu starts flirting with her ex-boyfriends and new neighbor, while still getting information on what Manu is upto. When she realizes that Manu is marrying her lookalike Kusum, she tries to mock her. On failing, she insists on attending the marriage. Finally, at the last moment Kusum realizes that Manu is not prepared to marry her, and on being asked Manu decides to return to Tanu. I was profoundly impacted by this movie. Director Anand Rai is turning out to be the Dostovesky of Bollywood. Comparing Romantic literature Dostovesky was part of(completely different from Yash Chopra type romantic movies), to Naturalism. What stands out is that in Romanticism every aspect of art product is extremely relevant to the overall product. In naturalist movie "Bhag Milkha Bhag" for example, or "Paan Singh Tomar", there were many events which made little or no contribution to the overall pursuit of characters' goals. In fact in both cases, the goals got changed in the middle of story. In "Tanu Weds Manu returns" however, the goals of main characters are clear from the beginning to the end, even though most of the realization comes once the movie is over. And every scene and dialog is directed to present that pursuit. So from Tanu's flirtations with multiple men, to Manu's passive commitment to Kusum, to Kusum's contextually rational acts to direct Manu into a healthy romantic relationship. The goals are clear from the start. Tanu wants to dominate men to the extreme, and therefore wants someone who can be torn apart emotionally and still wants to remain with her. Manu wants a healthy relationship which is also emotionally gratifying. Kusum wants a life where she can assert her independence and yet live joyously with her family or romantic partner. BUT there is a sub-category in Romanticism. There are rational goals and there are irrational goals. What ought to be right path can be asserted by showing characters pursuing right goals and succeeding. This was positive Romanticism of Victor Hugo, Ayn Rand, and reluctantly pursued but still positive Romanticism of Nanthaniel Howthorne in "The Scarlet Letter". In the declining years of Enlightenment however, Dostovesky became the king of negative Romanticism. Here what is right was indirectly demonstrated when main characters pursued wrong goals and failed. "Crime and Punishment" is the most vibrant story I can think of in this regard. Further, for Dostovesky whenever there was conflict between reason and emotion, emotion was given primacy. And here too Manu finally returns to Tanu, giving primacy to wrong emotions over right reasons. So when we look at the goals of three main characters, only one goal is achieved, that of Tanu. And of the three goals, this is the one which is an irrational goal. The achievement of this goal is at the cost of Manu's and Kusum's goals, and requires their approval. True, here the connection between goals and means is not direct. The irrational goal pursuit almost fails, but for the sanction of victims. And pursuit of rational goals fail, because of the weakness of one pursuing. The final takeway is that if you give primacy to wrong emotions over right reasons, like Manu you will end up accepting misery - again. Finally, I would highlight a scene of this movie, which I think is philosophically most significant scene in Bollywood to date. The one where Tanu encounters Kusum. She mocks her dressing sense, her personality. And she mocks Manu for sacrificing her for lady worth a dime. The answer she gets from Kusum is a perfect rebuttal. Her independence is questioned by presenting her dependence on father before, and husband later. She is told in no uncertain terms, that given her behavior, she does not deserve even iota of what she got. The dependence of Tanu is contrasted from independence of Kusum. Latter is a self-made national level athlete, and honestly earns for her family. The effect of this rebuttal, like any moral stand by a person of integrity against intimidating enemy, it shatters Tanu to the core. Till now manipulating and conniving Tanu is emotionally broken. True, she continues the tactics to attract Manu, but the confidence is all but gone. And she realizes that final outcome rests on the character weakness of Manu. As an important sidenote, the movie and its interpretations are suffering from a major distortion. People are taking this to be an example of normal marital discord, and accepting compromise as a good solution. Nothing can be further away from truth. All marital arguments cannot be clubbed as being of same type. I think we should broadly classify three types of marital problems. One where both sides rationally evaluate options and conclude that there are irreconcilable priorities. An example of this can be husband-wife having different view of own and other's career, and hoping that other will make way for me to succeed. Then there are other types of fights, where too both have rationally evaluated, but one makes an error in judgment. An example of this can be a situation where the two are trying to evaluate their spending needs, and one suggestion proposes to sacrifice things that are necessary for them in life for luxurious or comforting items. And then there are situations like we have in the movie. Here only motivation for the spouse is to break the soul of her other half. Twisting words and narratives to distort reality, and extract disproportional guilt for actions. If this is the motivation and attitude, then no compromise can save except genuine change of heart. And given the cultural atmosphere we live in today, rarely are tools available for such change in late adoloscence. Finally to conclude, I think the movie, though imperfect, is step in the right direction. Connected movies of Romanticism have power to motivate like few other art works can. We should learn virtues of Integrity, Independence, from the character of Kusum in "Tanu Weds Manu returns". And learn to give primacy to right reasons over badly understood emotions.
  22. Today I will post second set of questions from the book introduction. These also will be answered later this week. INTRODUCTION TO “THE POWER AND THE GLORY” (PART 2) Questions Q7. In current context, why does the writer think its necessary to define key terms like reason? Q8. Briefly explain reason, as it is described here? Q9. Briefly explain faith, as it is described here? Q10. How does structure of philosophy help writer and reader? Q11. Summarize each branch of philosophy with brief description? Q12. How can studying references at later point of time be useful? What is the nature of these references?
  23. ANSWERS FOR INTRODUCTION TO “THE POWER AND THE GLORY” (PART 1) Q1. Which non-fiction category book belongs to? What is it about? ( Just give key terms and their importance. Further details can be deferred to A4. on scope ) Ans: Book belongs to the category of history. History here referring to individual actions in past, considered together. It is about fundamental ideas, “reason” and “faith” in this case. These ideas have long, wide, and deep effect. Affecting actions of individuals and societies across time. Being fundamental, they belong to the category of epistemology. However, even within the context of history, there can be many different forms presentation of these ideas can take. Which form this book took will be discussed in A4. Q2. Who are the intended audience, and what can they expect in this book? Ans: The book is for individuals who are already exclusively pro-reason and want to support reason's role in society. One deterrent these individual advocates can face is that they might not know what to expect while debating, or supporting those who debate. So defining “reason”, “faith”, or describing “nature of debate”, and “social circumstances of these debaters” can help these individuals. Q3. What is the purpose of this book? Ans: The book gives examples of past advocates of both reason and faith, and how they disseminated their ideas. From these examples few generalizations are drawn which readers can apply to their individual situations. Writer hopes to inspire readers to debate through this presentation. Q4. What is the scope of this book? Ans: From emphasis on terms like "reason" and "faith", this book may seem like it is on “History of ideas”, like “The DIM hypothesis” and “The Ominous Parallels”. But the subject is actually biographical. Specifically it gives important phases in professional, intellectual, and social lives of select individuals. As the timelines and location of these individuals is varied, writer has taken samples of historical debate. And after presenting the samples, there is commentary delimited to that sample of debate. (The debate here referring not just to face-to-face structured argument. But also debates using lectures, articles, books. In general it refers to taking position on an idea by various means.) While indicative, the sample may not necessarily represent the lifelong and all subject position of the advocate. For e.g. Newton, a scientist who advanced reason through science, considered Space and Time as eyes and ears of Gods. Q5. What was the procedure employed by the writer to write this book? Ans: While writing the drafts of this book, fifteen major individuals in various times and places were researched. Research also included their position towards reason and faith. The biographical outline of each was developed, and eight individuals selected from that. Separate chapter is devoted to each of these individuals. In each chapter one or two lesser figures of the era are also presented as contrasts and complements(to emphasize the position of the main individual advocate). Sometimes nameless crowd is also presented as opponent. This will illustrate wide range of philosophical positions to the pro-reason activists. Like completely pro-reason position of Ayn Rand, partially pro-reason positions of Locke and Aquinas, or pro faith positions of Augustine and Kant(but in very different ways). Apart from philosophical positions, the book also shows professional paths and social positions for disseminating ideas. Various media used for disseminating ideas are also presented. The media ranges from personal letter(by Porphyry), recorded lecture(by Ayn Rand), narrow technical treatise(by Augustine), Magnum Opus(by Kant), and other works. As mentioned in scope, samples rather than the complete body of works is studied, in order to present full spectrum of positions, actions, associations, and media involving debates. Q6. What is the theme of this book? Ans: The theme is to understand how success is achieved in dissemination of ideas. That is through commitment to develop the position on ideas, and through persistent effort to advance these ideas. That is, the power of debaters is in understanding the ideas, and glory lies in disseminating these ideas.
  24. Today I will post questions from the book introduction, which will be answered later this week. INTRODUCTION TO “THE POWER AND THE GLORY” (PART 1) Questions Q1. Which non-fiction category book belongs to? What is it about? ( Just give key terms and their importance. Further details can be deferred to A4. on scope ) Q2. Who are the intended audience, and what can they expect in this book? Q3. What is the purpose of this book? Q4. What is the scope of this book? Q5. What was the procedure employed by the writer to write this book? Q6. What is the theme of this book?
  25. As mentioned in schedule, the actual study group starts on Monday 29th June, 2015. Till then I will post some preparatory material in this thread. Since the chapter is organized in the form of biography, so I think writing timeline of Ayn Rand's life can help in the study. So here it goes :- -----------------------------------clip-------------------------------- Ayn Rand’s Biographical Timeline 1869 : Father, Zinovy Zakarovich Rosenbaum, born in Breslitovsk, Russia (November 18) 1880 : Mother, Anna Borisovna Kaplan, born in St. Petersburg (October 15) 1904 : Parents married (May 3) 1905 : Born in St. Petersburg (February 2; or, January 20 on the Julian calendar) 1911 : Teaches self to read 1912 : Family moves to an apartment on Nevsky Prospekt at Znamenskaya Square 1913 : Attends first motion picture exhibition in St. Petersburg 1914 : Reads first romantic fiction, The Mysterious Valley; decides to become a writer 1917 : Witnesses first shots of February revolution 1918 : Discovers writings of Victor Hugo To escape civil war, family moves to Ukraine (fall) and then Yevpatoria, Crimea (spring) 1920 : Discovers Aristotle’s works in high school 1921 : Graduates from Yevpatoria High School #4 (June 30) Family returns to Petrograd Enrolls in Petrograd State University (circa August 24) Discovers the works of Nietzsche (1921–22) 1924 : Discovers Viennese operettas Graduates from Leningrad State University (October 13) Enrolls in State Technicum for Screen Arts (October 15) 1925 : “Pola Negri” pamphlet published in Moscow and Leningrad Receives permission to leave USSR (October 29) [ "Pola Negri" pamphlet was anonymously published by Ayn Rand. It was tribute to Polish actress Pola Negri for her passionate ambition and colorful unconventionality. ] 1926 : “Hollywood: American Movie City” pamphlet published in Moscow and Leningrad Departs Leningrad (January 17) Sails from Le Havre, France, for America on the De Grasse (February 10) Arrives in Manhattan (February 19) Resides in Chicago with relatives (February–August) Arrives in Hollywood (September 3) Hired as movie extra by Cecil B. DeMille (September) Meets Frank O’Connor on set of The King of Kings (September) 1927 : Hired by DeMille as junior screen writer (circa June 11) 1929 : Marries Frank O’Connor (April 15) Hired by RKO wardrobe department 1931 : Becomes U.S. citizen (March 13) 1932 : Sells “Red Pawn” to Universal Pictures (September 2) 1934 : Makes first entry in philosophic journal (April 9) Writes Ideal First play, Woman on Trial, opens in Hollywood (October 2) Moves to New York City (November) 1935 : Night of January 16th (formerly, Woman on Trial) opens on Broadway (September 16) Makes first notes for The Fountainhead (December 4) 1936 : We the Living published (April 18) 1938 : Anthem published in England (circa May 7) 1939 : Receives last communication from parents in USSR (circa January) 1940 : Works for the Wendell Willkie presidential campaign The Unconquered (We the Living adaptation) opens on Broadway (February 13) 1942 : Delivers The Fountainhead manuscript to Bobbs-Merrill (December 31) 1943 : The Fountainhead published (May 8) Begins writing “The Moral Basis of Individualism” (August 18) Moves to California to write The Fountainhead screenplay (November 25) 1944 : Moves into Von Sternberg house designed by Richard Neutra (July) Writes screenplay for Love Letters (September) 1945 : Makes first notes for Atlas Shrugged (January 1) Guest of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin East (February 3–4) The Fountainhead reaches #6 on New York Times best-seller list (August 26) First installment of “illustrated” Fountainhead begins in Hearst newspapers nationwide (December 24) 1946 : First U.S. edition of Anthem published (circa July) 1949 : The Fountainhead film opens (June 23) 1951 : Moves back to New York City (October 23) 1955 : Finishes writing “Galt’s Speech” (October 13) 1957 : Finishes writing Atlas Shrugged (March 20) Atlas Shrugged published (October 10) 1958 : Begins teaching fiction writing class (January 18) Presents first campus talk, at Queens College (March 6) 1960 : Delivers first major campus talk, “Faith and Force: Destroyers of the Modern World,” at Yale University (February 17) 1961 : For the New Intellectual published (March 24) Presents first Ford Hall Forum talk, “The Intellectual Bankruptcy of Our Age” (March 26) 1962 : First issue of The Objectivist Newsletter published (January) Nathaniel Branden Institute opens (January) Weekly column begins in the Los Angeles Times (June 17) 1963 : Receives honorary doctorate from Lewis and Clark University (October 2) 1964 : The Virtue of Selfishness published (December) 1966 : First installment of “Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology” published in The Objectivist (July) 1967 : Makes first appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (August 16) 1968 : Nathaniel Branden Institute closes (May) 1969 : Begins teaching nonfiction writing course (March 8) Witnesses launch of Apollo 11 (July 16) Presents first epistemology workshop (October 11) 1974 : Presents “Philosophy: Who Needs It” talk at West Point (March 6) Nora Drobysheva (Ayn Rand’s sister) arrives for visit from USSR (April 14) Attends White House dinner for Alan Greenspan swearing-in (September 4) 1976 : Publishes last article in The Ayn Rand Letter (January–February) Attends White House dinner honoring Malcolm Fraser (July 27) 1977 : Ford Hall Forum holds luncheon in her honor (April 10) Outlines screenplay for Atlas Shrugged television miniseries (September) 1979 : Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology published by New American Library (April) Frank O’Connor dies (November 9) 1981 : Delivers last Ford Hall Forum lecture, “The Age of Mediocrity” (April 26) Delivers last public lecture, “The Sanction of the Victims,” in New Orleans (November 21) 1982 : Writes her last page of “Atlas Shrugged” teleplay (January 1) Dies in New York City (March 6) --------------------------------------------------clap------------------------------------------------- Reference : http://aynrandlexicon.com/about-ayn-rand/timeline.html
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