Kelley Will Present Epistemology Paper at Advanced Seminar

For the first time in three years TOC Executive Director David Kelley will present a paper at the Advanced Seminar. Dr. Kelley's writings in epistemology include The Evidence of the Senses, "A Theory of Abstraction," and Evidence and Justification." In this paper he returns to epistemological issues, asking, "What is Knowledge?" In it, he critiques the traditional definition of knowledge as "justified true belief" and offers an Objectivist alternative. The technical arguments developed in this paper will also provide the basis for his presentation at the Summer Seminar, "What Knowledge Is."

TOC Director of Programs William Thomas announced the papers that scholars will present at the 6th annual Advanced Seminar in Objectivist Studies June 30 through July 2, 2004, at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Advanced Seminar immediately precedes the Summer Seminar at the same site.

Other papers on epistemological topics will include Paul Vanderveen's "Formation of the Concept of Mind," a revision of a paper previously published in Objectivity. Vanderveen, a philosopher and mental health specialist, considers a classic problem afresh in light of the Objectivist theory of concepts and the facts about how children learn highly abstract concepts. On the last day of the seminar the focus will be on the nuts and bolts of Ayn Rand's measurement-omission theory of abstraction. TOC Director of Programs William Thomas, who oversees the seminar, will offer a short refresher course to help clarify the understanding of Rand's revolutionary theory. The day will be capped with a discussion of Merlin Jetton's paper "Omissions and Measurement." Jetton, who has published a wide range of scholarly work in philosophy, relates Rand's discussion of measurement with common mathematical uses of the term, and attempts a critique and revision of her theory.

The other papers at the Advanced Seminar will be Heather Demarest's "Rand and Mack on Teleology and Value" and Edward Hudgins' "Is There a Dual Aspect of Free Will?" Demarest is a fifth-year senior at the University of Colorado at Boulder finishing degrees with honors in Philosophy and Physics. Hudgins, TOC's Washington Director, returns here to his scholarly roots revisiting issues he first explored while earning his doctorate.

In addition to the formal paper presentations and discussions the participants will have a round table discussion about "Publishing Objectivism". The meals including the final dinner provide an opportunity for students, professors, and independent scholars to network and discuss items of mutual interest.

The Advanced Seminar focuses on developing the scholarly literature concerning Objectivism. A high percentage of the papers are published later in academic journals. It has grown in sprit over six years, becoming a cherished meeting place for a growing community of Objectivist scholars.

Most Advanced Seminar sessions are extended small-group discussions of scholarly essays, preceded by short summary presentations by the authors. The participants include professors, independent scholars and students.

The participants are expected to read the papers carefully in advance, and to be prepared to discuss them. The presenter does not read the paper, but merely summarizes it. There is usually a critical comment prepared in advance by one or more participants. Any of the participants is allowed to comment or ask questions in a structured and moderated format. Whether questioning or just following along, the students in attendance wrestle with interesting issues, honing their critical skills, and deepening their understanding of the topics presented. The feedback is very helpful to the authors and can result in changes, which enhance the publication prospects of the article.

The Center subsidizes the event by paying all costs for students and professional scholars excepting travel. Other attendees pay only room and board. This is part of our broad based effort to advance Objectivist scholarship, which also includes scholarships for Objectivist graduate students, student oriented courses and seminars, and new research and writing projects.