Ayn Rand (1905–1982) was the author of best-selling novels that have never been out of print and seven collections of essays that explore her philosophy, Objectivism. The essence of Objectivism, she said, “is the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.” These ideas are evident throughout her life and her body of work.

This seminar examines the development of Rand’s philosophy through the course of her colorful life, including a childhood blighted by the Bolshevik Revolution; her experiences as a Broadway playwright, Hollywood screenwriter, and political campaigner; and her renown as a lecturer and writer on her system of thought.

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The Goal of Her Writing: Projecting the Human Ideal

The young Aliza Rozenbaum. Her decision to become a writer; early reading (Hugo, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche); education in philosophy, history, and cinematography; early writings; the journey from St. Petersburg to Hollywood.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Defining, Defending, and Celebrating Individualism

Ayn Rand, American. The themes of independence and integrity in her first three novels: We the Living, Anthem, and The Fountainhead.

12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Lunch

Participants provide their own lunch.

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. The Role of the Mind in Human Existence

The composition of Atlas Shrugged (1943–1957), a novel that she said combines “metaphysics, morality, politics, economics, and sex.”

3 to 4:30 p.m. Objectivism: A Philosophy for Living on Earth

Her philosophical nonfiction: ethics (rational egoism), epistemology (reason), metaphysics (objective reality), politics (capitalism), and esthetics (romanticism). Explaining the implications and applications of her system of thought.

Instructor Shoshana Milgram Knapp, an associate professor of English at Virginia Tech, has published articles on Rand and other writers.