human nature

The Subtheme of Free Will in Atlas Shrugged by Ben Bayer

March 3, 2021 arilive_user Podcast 1:01:03 0 Comments

According to Ayn Rand, the theme of Atlas Shrugged is “the role of the mind in man’s existence.” In this session, we explore how Rand conveys her distinctive theory of free will, that the operation of the mind itself is volitional. In particular, we focus on a key conflict in the plot that is resolved only when one character realizes that the mind is volitional. Recorded live at OCON on June 27, 2019

From Metaphysical Facts to Moral Guidance by Aaron Smith

September 23, 2020 arilive_user Podcast 51:39 0 Comments

This session—part lecture, part class discussion—explores the fact that, and the ways in which, the guidance offered by the Objectivist ethics flows from the recognition of certain universal facts about human nature and the nature of the world in which man lives. The purpose of the session is to highlight the connection between facts and values from a uniquely Objectivist perspective.

Recorded live at OCON on June 24, 2019