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RohinGupta

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  1. Today systematic study of preparatory material has begun. I posted questions from "CHAPTER-1 OF INTRODUCTION TO OBJECTIVIST EPISTEMOLOGY[ITOE]" - "COGNITION AND MEASUREMENT". Q1. Why is studying this chapter and next necessary for understanding the main subject being studied? Q2. What are the essentials of Consciousness? Q3. What are the 3 essential stages in development of man's consciousness? And why is chronological order of these stages different from logical order? Q4. What is existent? What does its implicit grasp mean? I will post my answers by Thursday or Friday. of this week.
  2. To get the flavor of SGO, please check following threads. I think these will help in making the current "Study Group" more organized. http://www.studygrou...on/Sample2.aspx -------------------------- http://www.studygrou...on/Sample1.aspx -------------------------- http://forums.4aynra...?showtopic=4059 -------------------------- http://forums.4aynra...?showtopic=3235 --------------------- http://forums.4aynra...?showtopic=2711
  3. As mentioned before, actual study-group starts on September 8, but the preparatory discussions will begin before. While in normal study group the preparatory discussions are not elaborate, I think much more elaborate preparation is needed for this topic. Given the newness of induction in Objectivism(serious study started almost 10-15 years after Ayn Rand's death), and the difficulty of Objectivist epistemology in general, I would encourage participants to contribute to prep sessions. My posts on preperatory materials will start coming from July 14. Here is the exact schedule 1 07/14/2014 - 08/27/2014 Chapter 1. "Cognition and Measurement" from ITOE. 2 07/28/2014 - 08/10/2014 Chapter 2. "Concept-Formation" from ITOE. 3 08/11/2014 - 08/17/2014 Section on "Causality as Corollary of Identity" from chapter 1. "Reality" of OPAR. 4 08/18/2014 - 09/31/2014 Introduction and Preface of "The Logical Leap - Induction in Physics".
  4. Study done can range from summary, outline, to chewing of some sections to chewing of all sections. Since I am leading the study group, I have already completed study of main content and prep chapters. My objective was extreme, complete chewing of main and prep content. So it took me almost 7 months, giving 1-2 hours 5 days a week, even though I had studied ITOE, OPAR and "Logical Leap" twice. But normally, I think even if you start now, it should be possible to participate by giving 0.5-1 hour each day for 5 days a week. Or if its only about summary, outline, Q&A then directly participating without any prior study should also be sufficient, giving 0.5-1 hour each day. I hope information is sufficient to make informed decision. Also, you can check following link in this website to get detailed information from the pioneer of this study group, Burgess Laughlin. http://forum.objectivismonline.com/index.php?showtopic=6413#entry112827
  5. While actual study-group starts in September, related preparatory posts will start coming from next month. Please register and then participate through the following link. http://www.studygroupsforobjectivists.com/
  6. About the Platform: "Study Group For Objectivists"(SGO)[1] is for serious students of Objectivism from various age groups and professions. The study is specialized and involves particular texts(not necessarily Objectivists), mainly in the fields of philosophy and history. The student, after studying the text can give summary, outline, or detailed analysis and synthesis of select sections(referred to as chewing by Ayn Rand). Rigrous etiquettes, timebound schedules for various sections and advance notice enables better discipline, and therefore productive study. Based on personal experience, I can vouch for the same. Purpose of Platform: These study groups intend to achieve for Objectivism, what various intellectuals and philosophers did post Acquinas in the West. Explore various writings to understand rational philosophy across length, breadth and depth of intellectual spectrum, and unleash the new era of Renaissance and Enlightenment. Spiritual awakening that begins with the minds of participants, fulfilling their lives with knowledge, understanding, wisdom and therefore joy. Unleashing "The New Intellectuals" into current ruins of philosophy, to redeem its lost foundations and for cultivating the seeds for future movements. To put it succintly, this is the stock exchange for trading rational ideas, one text at a time. Current Study Group: Coming to the current study group, it is on the subject of philosophy, epistemology to be more specific. As Ayn Rand puts it, "A political battle is merely a skirmish[small battle] fought with muskets; a philosophical battle is a nuclear war." As is clearly communicated in many Objectivist forums, Epistemology is the foundation of more visible philosophical aspects like Politics, Ethics and Aesthetics. And ultimately foundation of every subject ranging from physical sciences to economics to history to psychology to even technology(like logic in computers). Ayn Rand's Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology(ITOE), her other works to lesser extent, and portions of Dr. Peikoff's Objectivism : Philosophy of Ayn Rand(OPAR) focus on Epistemology. You can also add Dr. Peikoff's lectures on "Art of Thinking", "Objectivism through Induction", and recent How we Know by Dr. Harry Binswanger. Yet this important branch has largely been understudied in this potentially world changing movement. This studygroup intends to take step in that direction. Attempting to redirect focus to its roots, Epistemology that is. We will study foundation of aspect that has been least touched in Objectivist epistemology, inductive method of thinking. Very briefly, inductive method involves integrating universal generalizations like principles and laws from a set of particulars or lower level generalizations. The text will introduce and explore important terms of inductive method, and what these refer to. Primary referents of the terms being methods of discoveries of Galileo, Newton, and Benjamin Franklin's electricity. We will study "The Logical Leap - Induction in Physics" by David Harriman. Chapter studied will be the first chapter "The Foundation". Namely the following sections 1 09/08/2014 - 09/14/2014 The Nature of Concepts 2 09/15/2014 - 09/21/2014 Generalizations as Hierarchial 3 09/22/2014 - 09/28/2014 Perceiving First-Level Causal Connections 4 09/29/2014 - 09/05/2014 Conceptualizing First-Level Causal Connections 5 10/06/2014 - 10/12/2014 The structure of inductive reasoning 6 10/13/2014 - 10/19/2014 Review and summary Apart from this central material, preperatory material can be 1. Chapter 1. "Cognition and Measurement" from "Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology". 2. Chapter 2. "Concept-Formation" from "Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology". 3. Section on "Causality as Corollary of Identity" from chapter 1 "Reality" of OPAR. 4. Introduction and Preface of "The Logical Leap - Induction in Physics". Conclusion: So primarily for fulfilling your appetite of rational method, and changing course of civilization in the process, I urge you to consider participation here. "Study Group for Objectivists" - http://www.studygroupsforobjectivists.com" Note: After you register, activation can take few days. Please go through the etiquettes and archives once registered. [1] Study group for Objectivists(SGO) - http://www.studygroupsforobjectivists.com [2] Further details on the importance of SGO - http://aristotleadventure.blogspot.in/2008/08/study-groups-for-objectivists-sgo_29.html
  7. FYI, The book mentions Ayn Rand as key crusader in reason, and essence of her life and ideas, in final chapter.
  8. The book is very well researched, brilliantly structured and extremely engaging. It defines reason and mysticism, and deals with key crusaders on each side, as the Western civilization evolved,(Primarily from Greek ideas). Each chapter revolves around the particular crusader, his social environment, essence of his ideas,their sources,evolution and maturity;plus method of communication. More information about the book available here: http://reasonversusmysticism.com/powerandglory.html I dont think I am ready to comprehensively review the book,YET. But here are the collection of a few integrations made as I read through. Hope this gives some indications on the nature of subject. Some are directly related to the content,while others are from my previous knowledge,context of which was invoked by the content in the book. Lesson derived from introductory chapter,where nature of Philosophy and its branches is described "Now that I have ironed out inconsistencies in my Metaphysics and Epistemology,its time that I reintegrate these with Ethics." While reading Celsus(2nd century AD) - Specifically, Formation of the concept of faith by Jesus, plus how it was translated from prior texts. "Trust is not a type of faith.Former requires prior evaluation to bypass aspects of future evaluations." While reading Porphery(3rd century AD) - Pagan Philosopher both attacks and arms his enemies. "Rand-Peikoff,Plotinus-Porphyry.In both cases consistent but scattered works of former,integrated by latter." While reading about Augustine(4th-5th century AD), I remembered about the term he coined, which meant that man is depraved by nature,ORIGINAL SIN. "What a wretched view of man Augustine had! Not very different from Swaminathan Aiyer,contemporary Libertarian writer!!" On reading Acquinas(13th century AD), I remembered the chapters I read in school on Renaissance.(Since Acquinas was instrumental in reintroducing Aristotle to the Western civilization). "Renaissance,Enlightenment and Industrial revolution account for science and technology around. Everything was covered within 1 chapter in my high school,and that too inaccurate." On reading Kant's chapter,and how he divorced method of scientific knowledge, from the method of acquiring and applying Ethics. "Assange,perfect example of Kant's fact-value dichotomy.Scientific knowledge driven by reason,ethics whimsical." On reading about "We the Living",in the Ayn Rand chapter. "Genius of ending in "We the living".Benovelence even WHILE the leading lady dies." Looking forward to the day where I can review the book as a whole!!
  9. I agree, Lock's political philosophy is consistent with political principles of America. And nature of government quite similar to objectivism. And that was the aspect I was referring to.
  10. Alternative Benevolent version: Philosophical Era: Aristotle learning from Plato, going on to criticize his Philosophy while still unwittingly keeping the mystical traces of former. Intellectual Era: Aquinas, Locke, and other Renaissance/Enli...ghtenment teachers. Political Era: Patric Henry, Jefferson, American Revolution. ....And maybe Economic era in Industrial Revolution...
  11. Fantasizing a movie on Dr. Peikoff's "The Ominous Parallels", in a format similar to "The Hours". http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274558/plotsummary 3 phases, Philosophical Era: Immanual Kant is influenced by Rousseau, goes on to write Critique. Intellectual Era: Hegel,Comte,other socialists and Nizetsche. Political Era: Nazis, Concentration Camps and Hitler.
  12. Adding more implicit sources - Ayn Rand Lexicon on Introspection. - Chapter on "experimental methods" from "The Logical Leap: Induction in Physics" by David Harriman .....Further comments invited.
  13. INTROSPECTION: WHO NEEDS IT? Being a top sportsman or a top actor for more than 2 decades requires consistent self-discipline. Both professions are physically demanding. One requires constant fitness regime for different muscles and joints. The latter, regular tuning of looks and shape to fit diverse roles. Coupled with their regular schedules, commitments and responsibilities; one can imagine that there is very little scope to go beyond. Yet, when Sachin and Aamir emphasize on monitoring of mind playing a key role in decision making; one ought to stop and ask - Am I giving my mind its due? Please note the usage of term "monitoring of mind"(and not just mind) playing a key role in decision making. Aamir analyzes his available mental capacity(calling it mindspace), before agreeing for an interview.[1] Sachin, in order know whether his body movement is co-ordinated while playing, analyzes the states of his mind across overs and sessions as he is batting.[2] This brings me to the subject in question... "Introspection is the process of examining the thoughts and feelings of one's own mind.(Oxford)" Cardinal questions being, What do I feel? Why do I feel it?[3] Etymological meaning - See inward. Having endeavored the same myself, it does require hard work... But is definitely not impossible. So lets start studying causality of emotions. Comparing the same to other, more easily observed phenomena. When we feel hungry, we know its because I haven't had food. Therefore this sensation of hunger occurs. When I get hurt, I know that the pain comes from wound - and need to Bandage, even if this leads to more instantaneous pain. Emotions too have causes, but due to their more subtle nature, these are more likely to get misinterpreted. Therefore, its imperative that one is ruthlessly honest in analyzing them. Often, the trigger for an emotion is the perception of an external object and its lightening like automatic association, causing a psychological sensation(of pleasure or pain). I enter the classroom, and see assignments being collected. Realize that I forgot to complete mine, and the mental response is scare of the strict teacher. The activity itself is too fast paced. And one cannot know the causal factors involved immediately. They have to be consciously sought via retrospection. So lets look back and try tracing the root cause. Is it the assignments and the fact that they are being collected? If it was ONLY that, then even the sweeper cleaning the classroom will feel scared. Is it that the teacher is strict? If it were so, even the students who have completed the assignment should feel afraid. Is it because I have not completed the assignment that I am scared? If so, then I would have been scared even while I was in bus. Because then too my assignment was not completed. Therefore, its not any one factor; but the combination of factors - an existential cause of assignments being collected, my evaluation of teacher as strict and my corresponding recollection that I haven't completed the assignment that cause this emotion...! Similarly, I feel elated on winning a gold medal. Is it just the medal? Then even the 5 year old in the audience should be as happy. Its the medal, plus the fact that I practiced so hard, and me strongly valuing that effort. Thus here too, its the combination of a percept, and psychological evaluation(done earlier) that causes elation. Emotions are a frequent occurrence. Most times causes are subtle-numerous, and only the person experiencing it can identify, recollect and interpret it correctly. (Psychiatrist may interpret extreme behaviors. But still, recollection has to be first-hand. Plus here I am focusing on "more regular" pleasure/pain phenomena). In sharp contrast, physical phenomena like rain can be explained easily owing to complete psychological detachment (and relative advancement) of the subject in question. Introspection, by its very nature of looking inside and in past, can detach one from immediate surroundings and moment. Therefore its important that major portion of analysis happens in the environment of solitude. However, like first aid, some aspects need to be immediate. Whenever significant intensity emotions occurs... From the standpoint of introspection, I can lock in the immediate circumstance(assignment collection in the morning class), and prima facie nature of emotion(Shock). Plus give my conscience standing order to come back to other phases of introspection in solitude. So whats the use, one might ask. Well, we may not become Sachin or Aamir in our profession, yet one is far better off in such case. Let me explain why... Success or failure of a person ultimately depends on his or her method of thinking; and actions one undertakes after the thought process. (Degree of action and result of course can vary from single day to a lifetime). And therefore, the better one understands the workings of his mind, more competent he or she becomes in planning and prioritizing their activities. More specifically, analysis of emotions can help one know the external objects that he holds significant enough for consideration.(assignment or gold medal). Clarify ones own evaluations of external entities.(Strict teacher, non-completion leading to bad grades; medal as the result of effort and opportunity to get into higher league). And how one responds in crisis.(Do I acknowledge my mistake or put a wrongful blame. OR conversely, taking undeserved guilt or hedonistic elation out of proportion with the action). Based on these facts, required corrective actions can then be taken by an act of will. True, its possible that I can misinterpret emotions even after isolating the causes honestly. But like any other activity, here too practice and persistence(along with right ethical code) can minimize error and improve efficiency - and one is always better off in consciously analyzing such complex process, than let it be further misinterpreted by what others say and the subsequent, more lethal emotions. Finally therefore, choices we make, leads us to the destinies we take. And content of our own mind is what enables us to make such choices. Discovering the nature of that content, therefore becomes an important task. .....But there is one pre-conditional choice - Choosing to Introspect. [1] http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood...iew-230507.html [2] [9:20] [3] http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/introspection.html
  14. Updated version. Got some useful inputs in the similar forums.... http://forums.4aynrandfans.com/index.php?showtopic=12151
  15. INTROVERT BY CHOICE In the backdrop of Sachin Tendulkar's 1-Day international cricket double hundred... Sachin had just scored first one day international double hundred. It was superlative achievement no doubt. However, above and beyond obvious facts, there was this groping for fundamental fact. The primary cause that makes possible the kind of innings he played, and career of Sachin in general? Answers still eluded me. And thus begins my Quest. Youtube was ransacked, and from Sachin at 14 to Sachin at 37, videos were browsed. I came across an interview with Harsha Bhogale. Question was,"How does Sachin Tendulkar handle bad batting form?" To me, the question was similar to, "What do you do when you score less marks?" Well, I work harder, devote more time to subject, etc.etc. And so I expected from Sachin,I practice more, work on kind of bowling that got me out etc. etc. Here is what Sachin answered.... I try to recollect what was going on in my mind when I got out, or just before I got out... ...And goes on to explain how he dissociates such feelings through continuous acts of will power. And this is how Eureka dawned upon my Quest...! Here is a man, who doesn't just passively accept any random feeling entering his mind, that has potential to wreck his career. He actively recollects the circumstances in which it occurred. Then analyzes its cause, and therefore refines his thought process.... So that similar situation does not happen again. This brings me to the definition of subject in question. "Introvert is the person who seeks to analyze the activities of his own mind." Etymologically meaning of course being, look inward. Here is the kind of imagery one generally associates with an introvert however. A boy sitting in the corner, aloof while other kids play. Nervous adolescent, groping for words in an interview - in stark contrast to smooth talker. Let me argue why such imageries get associated. As I said, for an introvert, his own mind is a very important - perhaps the central component of study. So the boy engages in the process of introspection, rather than playing with other kids.(or instead of focusing on objects of communication in an interview). These traditional introverts, more often than not tend to become so intuitively rather than by conscious choice. Therefore, its probable that they misjudge the timings. Engaging in the activity, when it may be detrimental to their prospects. However, if the choice is explicit, the individual will calculate full consequences of such a choice. And would plan every stage process of introspection requires. So once Sachin gets out, on his way back to the pavilion, he can lock the thoughts(or feelings) of past few minutes; before they are lost as he acknowledges the crowd. And these then can be unlocked and analyzed in the moments of solitude. Having endeavored the same myself, it does require hard work... But is definitely not impossible. So let me now integrate studying causality of emotions to other observed phenomena. When we feel hungry, we know its because I haven't had food. Therefore this sensation of hunger occurs. When I get hurt, I know that the pain comes from wound - and need to Bandage, even if this leads to more instantaneous pain. Emotions too have causes, but due to their more subtle nature, these are more likely to get misinterpreted. Therefore, its imperative that one is ruthlessly honest in analyzing them. Often, the trigger for an emotion is the perception of an external object and its lightening like automatic association, causing a psychological sensation(of pleasure or pain). I enter the classroom, and see assignments being collected. Realize that I forgot to complete mine, and the mental response is scare of the strict teacher. The activity itself is too fast paced. And one cannot know the causal factors involved immediately. They have to be consciously sought via retrospection. So lets look back and try tracing the root cause. Is it the assignments and the fact that they are being collected? If it was ONLY that, then even the sweeper cleaning the classroom will feel scared. Is it that the teacher is strict? If it were so, even the students who have completed the assignment should feel afraid. Is it because I have not completed the assignment that I am scared? If so, then I would have been scared even while I was in bus. Because then too my assignment was not completed. Therefore, its not any one factor; but the combination of factors - an existential cause of assignments being collected, my evaluation of teacher as strict and my corresponding recollection that I haven't completed the assignment that cause this emotion...! Similarly, I feel elated on winning a gold medal. Is it just the medal? Then even the 5 year old in the audience should be as happy. Its the medal, plus the fact that I practiced so hard, and me strongly valuing that effort. Thus here too, its the combination of a percept, and psychological evaluation(done earlier) that causes elation. The scenarios I mentioned are quite extreme, emotions of course are much more frequent occurrence. And most times causes are subtle-numerous, and only the person experiencing it can identify, recollect and interpret it correctly. (Psychiatrist may interpret extreme behaviors. But still, recollection has to be first-hand. Plus here I am focusing on "more regular" pleasure/pain phenomena). In sharp contrast, physical phenomena like rain can be explained easily owing to complete psychological detachment (and relative advancement) of the subject in question. True, its possible that I can misinterpret emotions even after isolating the causes honestly. But like any other activity, here too practice and persistence can minimize error - and one is always better off in consciously analyzing such complex process than let it be further misinterpreted by what others say and the subsequent, more lethal emotions. So whats the use one might ask. Well, we may not become Sachin in our profession, yet one is far better off in such case. Let me explain why... Success or failure of a person ultimately depends on his or her method of thinking; and actions one undertakes after the thought process. (Degree of action and result of course can vary from single day to a lifetime). And therefore, the better one understands the workings of his mind, more competent he or she becomes in planning and prioritizing their activities. More specifically, analysis of thoughts and emotions can help one know the external objects that he holds significant enough for consideration.(assignment or gold medal). Clarify ones own evaluations of external entities.(Strict teacher and bad grades as a result of not doing assignment; medal as the result of effort and opportunity to get into higher league). And how one responds in crisis.(Do I acknowledge my mistake or put a wrongful blame. OR conversely, taking undeserved guilt or hedonistic elation out of proportion with the action). Based on these facts, required corrective actions can then be taken by an act of will. Finally therefore, choices we make, leads us to the destinies we take. And content of our own mind is what enables us to make such choices. Organizing that content therefore becomes an important task. .....But there is one precondition - one ought to become "Introvert by Choice".
  16. Hi All, I would be broadcasting the following post in coming days. Would like to have useful inputs before. Implicit sources include - Ms Rand's article on "Psychology of Psychologizing" - In OPAR, Dr Peikoff's analysis of emotions as being caused by perceptual input, individual's evaluation and corresponding mental response. Included an example where same body tissue slide generated varied response in different audience. - Dr. Peikoff's recent podcast on understanding causes to deal with bad memories. .....Thanks in Advance!!
  17. Important insights into the issue by Harry Binswanger. http://arc-tv.com/ayn-rand-and-todays-culture/
  18. Agree completely with the analogy, though I see one crucial difference. Renaissance followed the fall with the lag of 700 yrs. 2nd Renaissance seems to have started immediately afterwards. Reference here is to the rising sales of Atlas Shrugged and Ayn Rand's increasing clout in Academia.... What do you guys think?
  19. Also in the nutshell, its the story of today's mainstream(read pragmatic) America. Assured in concretes, lost in Abstractions...!!
  20. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/op...how/3372132.cms Not somebody famous. But the point came out in this discussion.(You need google login I think) Liberterians Anarchy and Kashmir http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#CommMsgs.aspx?...680920613802440 Prashant 8/27/08 I am not going to do this for you one more time "I know right now you're going through that "reason is the most powerful thing" phase, but trust me, logic is a very manipulative tool and it can be used to prove almost anything to anyone."
  21. So what is a Libertarian? Whats that one characteristic that forms its essence? Well, all facts point towards one fact. And that is, the one who encompasses and engages with anybody who claims to embrace Liberty, irrespective of the fundamentals on which that person's concept may rest on. But more importantly, I am interested in the Ethical paradigm that will lead to such a viewpoint. Which will push you to accept anybody and everybody who professes to value Liberty? If Liberty is valuable to this person, what is his take on values? And the connection that becomes strikingly clear is, Values are intrinsic. And therefore value of Liberty too is intrinsic, irrespective of how you(or anybody else) develops it, the kind of integration of concrete values that led them to it. Let me use Productivity by similar "logic", to derive communism from Objectivism. Productivity is a virtue that enables men to put their ideas into practice. We observe that by engaging people who have relevant skills, better productivity can be achieved(qualitatively and speed-wise). Therefore, engagement too is a virtue IN THAT CONTEXT. But since values are intrinsic, and virtues are values in the realm of action, therefore engagement is a value in itself.Communist comes and says, by virtue of engagement in an industrial society, values are not created by single bourgeois. He involves a section of proletariats to create values. Therefore its only right that the wealth created by these values are distributed fairly. (Of course, context of voluntary exchange of values without any coercion being dropped here. But since both of you have accepted engagement as an intrinsic virtue, therefore his argument cannot be challenged). So there is a conflict(within and with others) in every aspect of Liberty, except its meaning - Non-initiation of Physical Force that is. - There are conflicts on what such value refers to in reality. Liberty leads to prosperity, therefore money is good. What about money given for social welfare schemes or affirmative action? Oh, that is to correct the historical wrong of unfair prosperity of ruling classes.(Here I am referring to actions of Indian government and their justification by Libertarian Intellectuals). Plus these will further increase wages, that will lead to further prosperity. What about dilution of Human and material resources. Blank Out! - There is conflict on how one should gain and keep it. I heard XXX saying that the teenager was tortured by police.Lets overthrow the government which abused Force. Its replacement? Blank Out...!(Argument being used in Indian Administered Kashmir, the movement being supported by Libertarian intellectuals). - There is a conflict on how to understand Liberty while recollecting it. Since it is intrinsic, and whatever steps that did lead to it have long been discarded or suppressed, only way you can know it is through intuition or feeling. Therefore if you are a consistent Libertarian, feelings ( which quickly develop into hedonism) is your standard means of Cognition -- The hallmark of culture Libertarians intend to build. After all, its Liberty from the necessity of thinking!! Do you need rationality and logic in such a scenario? The answer came from one of the more honest Liberterian - "Logic is a very manipulative tool. It can be used to prove anything to anyone." (Liberty from corresponding to facts). So rationality and logic becomes a means of twisting facts and words(by arbitrary pick and choose) to delude and then demonstrate intrinsic value(to themselves more than anybody else). In a nutshell, Analytic of floating words you may call. Objectivists and 'l'ibertarians who are 'L'ibertarian in essence. They read "Capitalism: An Unknown ideal" or the equivalent. Moved by the convincing arguments, accept 'Liberty' AND 'Non-initiation of Force' as a standard. Meanwhile, they evade the series of steps that led them(or anybody else) to accept Liberty(for their premise of values being intrinsic still remains intact).And start treating Liberty with arbitrary linkages to realty. An analogy: So if you ask a Libertarian or aforementioned 'l'ibertarians or Objectivists, what do you think Best reflects Objectivism in culture... ....A television show or a newspaper article mentioning Ayn Rand as a libertarian, having further word count of "Ayn Rand" thrice and Objectivism once. Never reflecting (in form or substance) what Objectivism stands for. OR An article celebrating virtues of Thanksgiving and Christmas(Celebration of Productive achievements that is), never mentioning the vocabulary that google spider will pick as Objectivist. OR A movie like "The Shawshank Redumption" which reflects a Romantic Hero with a Benevolent premise... Guess what their answer would be?
  22. Let me further venture to say, desire and willingness to counter epistemology that led to Libertarianism. This was one of the factors in motivating Ms. Rand to begin "Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology". Here is the evidence An Excerpt From Ayn Rand’s Life: Highlights and Sidelights by Harry Binswanger (Recorded 1993) http://facetsofaynrand.com/additional/ar_highlights.html 11:08- "Another contributing influence of course, but only contributing because my mind was made up, was my meeting with Hospers".(John Hospers is a contemporary Philosopher who at this time was teaching at Brooklyn college. Today he is a Libertarian, which is appropriate considering what she is going to say about the errors in his thinking). Conversation with Hospers made me see the enormous holes in today's view of Philosophy and the unsolved issues. We had a few Epistemological conversations. And more than the specific issues, he gave me the sense of a whole approach, a whole method of approaching Epistemology.(That is his method), which is so clearly wrong, and made me see clearly why its wrong. And what is it that I take for granted that they don't know. Also check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hospers#..._libertarianism ....Any scholar out there who can further throw some light on Hosper's Epistemology?
  23. Let me also clarify the necessity of this thread. It carries both +ve and -ve connotation. Positive: Understanding by contrast the features of Objectivism. The process Leonard Peikoff calls "Horizontal integration" in his lectures on "Art of Thinking". Negative: It will prevent us from unwittingly accepting Libertarian ideas and ideals.
  24. I couldn't find dedicated thread for the purpose. So starting the new one. Please enter your comments on Libertarianism in this thread. (And link to existing threads that you know of) Following article by Peter Schwartz, I think can be taken as benchmark for Objectivist positions. http://www.aynrandbookstore2.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS02I Its also available in the book "The Voice of Reason". The following essays I think will also offer useful leads. http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pag...=objectivism_fv http://www.aynrand.org/site/PageServer?pag...ivism_sanctions Though purpose is primarily Philosophical, I think historical perspective on the evolution of Objectivist viewpoint and corresponding actions would also be useful for illustration. P.S: The reason why its added in Metaphysics and Epistemology corner. Because I think that its important to explore the aspects of Libertarianism beyond politics, and how it impacts the individual's thought process and world view.
  25. It really would be best practice to use the spoiler tags on any plot information that may RUIN THE ENDING OF THE FILM. I haven't seen this movie yet, but I feel like I already know how it ends. Tag all spoilers with the spoiler tag. Sorry Andrew for spoiling the plot. New to movie critique, so the aspect didn't cross my mind. But having seen the movie twice, I can still safely recommend it. What you lost in plot twists, can be gained by having renewed perspective....!
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