Applications
Objectivism is a philosophy for
living on earth.
These presentations deal with a wide range of issues that arise
in applying principles of Objectivism to our personal and professional lives.
 Mary Heinking, MS
Homeschooling (2 sessions)
In recent years, homeschooling has become an increasingly
popular alternative to both public and private schools, with their nonrational approaches
to education and their declining standards. Mary Heinking, a project director with a major
engineering and construction firm, has extensively researched homeschooling in order to
provide her daughter with a high-quality rational education. In the first session, she
will provide a general overview of homeschooling: the historical context, the reasons
why parents choose to homeschool, the various educational philosophies of homeschooling,
the advantages that homeschooling offers, and the results. The second session will be a
how-to workshop designed for parents. It will offer advice on how to get started, address
frequently asked questions, and demonstrate some of the first-rate materials and resources
that are available.
Debra Ross
Everyday Activism
Our society can become truly free only if Objectivist values
attain widespread support in the culture. It's up to each of us, both as members of a
movement and as individuals, to help bring about the future we envision. How do we stay
motivated for the long road ahead? The key is to commit ourselves to everyday
activism, using our personal strengths and interests to effect small changes in every
aspect of life. This talk provides practical ideas and inspiration for everyday activism
in personal, interpersonal, and political and cultural contexts. Debra Ross is president
of Axton Enterprises in Fairport, NY, a consulting firm that provides computer training
and software development for mail-order businesses throughout North America. Formerly a
managing editor at Hatherleigh Press in New York City, she has spoken at previous Summer
Seminars on publishing as an activist.
 Robert James Bidinotto
Organized Individualism: Building the Objectivist Community
Even before Objectivism becomes a cultural force, its practition-ers can develop social
structures that embody their ideals and nurture them in pursuing personal values. Building
on principles outlined in previous talks, Mr. Bidinotto, the IOS director of development
and special projects, offers practical ideas for creating an Objectivist "community
of values" now.
Ed Hudgins,
PhD
More Than Mere Words
Everyone knows the frustration of having evidence and logic on
his side yet not being able to convince others of the truth of his perspective. Public
policy dialogues today frequently evade objective reality and substitute emotional
appeals, soundbite slogans, and self-delusions. The art of rhetoric helps one to take
account of an audience's premises, state of knowledge, and biases; and to overcome
evasive thinking, change the audience's predispositions, and establish an ethos of
reason and individual liberty. Ed Hudgins earned a doctorate in political philosophy from
Catholic University for a thesis on the moral and political foundations of capitalism. He
has taught political theory at the University of Maryland and Catholic University. He now
practices the art of rhetorical persuasion for the Cato Institute.
David Ross, PhD
Mathematics Education (2 Sessions)
David Ross will use the Objectivist theory of knowledge to
analyze mathematics as a practical skill and show how mathematics should be taught and
learned, commenting on current trends in math education. He will discuss what mathematical
skills the average person needs and suggest how parents can ensure that their children
acquire these skills. Dr. Ross is an industrial scientist with Eastman Kodak. He has
spoken on logic and on the epistemological foundations of mathematics at previous Summer
Seminars. He lectures frequently at colleges on practical applications of mathematics.
With a colleague, he runs a program of math demos for middle schools and high schools in
which mathematical principles are presented as magic tricks, mind-reading gags, and
gambling scams.
Susan McCloskey,
PhD
Why Johnny Can't, Like, Write
We hear almost daily that high school and even college graduates
lack essential writing skills, and we see the evidence in everything from mangled
bureaucratic notices to debased political rhetoric. How is it that the principles of good
writing and English grammar strike so many writers as foreign and irrelevant? Susan
McCloskey will analyze what passes for writing instruction in the schools as a product of
pedagogic orthodoxy about egalitarianism and relativism. She will also describe the proper
place of writing in the education of rational minds. Previously a professor of English and
humanities at Vassar College, Dr. McCloskey is now president of McCloskey Writing
Consultants, offering services nationwide to law firms and other clients.
- Introduction
- Program
- Schedule
- Registration Information
- Registration Form - for secure online registration
- Financial Aid Application
- Logical Structure of Objectivism
Application
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