Graduate Seminar in Objectivist Philosophy and Method

Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York
July 31-August 7

Early application and travel stipend application deadline: May 17, 2004
Late applications accepted through July 12 as space permits

Purpose and content

The Graduate Seminar in Objectivist Philosophy and Method is an intensive course of instruction in Objectivism as a systematic philosophy and in methods of philosophical analysis and writing. It is intended for graduate students, junior faculty, and post-doctoral scholars who wish to employ Objectivist ideas and methods in professional work in philosophy and related fields such as history and psychology. It is organized by The Objectivist Center (TOC). TOC Executive Director David Kelley, Ph.D., will be the lead instructor, assisted by TOC Director of Programs William Thomas, M.A.

As a graduate-level course, the seminar will assume familiarity with the epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy of Objectivism. Instruction will focus on the meaning and validation of core ideas in these fields, including the Objectivist theory of concepts, the nature and role of axioms, the nature and classification of virtues, and the defense of free-market capitalism. Participants will discuss technical issues in Objectivism as well similarities to and differences from other approaches in the philosophical literature.

In addition to substantive issues, the seminar will devote considerable time to methodological issues and problems, both common problems in understanding and applying Objectivist ideas and the flaws in methods frequently employed in contemporary academic philosophy. Participants will receive feedback on written work submitted in advance along with discussion of the principles of effective philosophical writing.

The Graduate Seminar will be held July 31-August 7 at Marist College, in Poughkeepsie, NY, near TOC's offices. Attendance will be strictly limited to maintain a productive small-group setting and maximize the benefit participants can gain from taking part.

The seminar is free of charge to qualified student and professional scholar participants. A limited number of travel stipends will also be available (see below for more details). Applications from non-professional scholars with exceptional qualifications will be considered, though few or none may be accepted, and any such participants would need to pay a seminar fee of $520 or $70/day.

Participants will receive written evaluations based on their performance in the seminar and their work in revising their writing. Although the Center is not accredited by any outside body, these evaluations will serve participants and the Center as a record of their areas of excellence and shortcomings.

Application and Prerequisites

To apply, please complete the application form.

Early application deadline: May 17, 2004. Early applicants will be notified of their acceptance by May 26. Preference will be given to early applicants in acceptance and travel stipend award decisions.

Late application deadline: July 12, 2004. Late applicants will be notified of their acceptance by July 16. Acceptance of late applicants will depend on available space.

Writing sample: Participants are expected to submit written work for discussion and evaluation in the seminar, and to revise their work during or immediately following the seminar. Writing samples should be no longer than 5 pages (double-spaced). Writing samples should present an Objectivist argument, offer an Objectivist critical perspective, or discuss a topic or thinker that is germane to Objectivism. New work is welcome, as is work previously prepared for a course, publication, or other venue. Please contact William Thomas or David Kelley at the Center if you have any questions about possible topics or formats. Writing samples should be submitted to The Objectivist Center by July 23.

Advance materials: Participants will receive a detailed syllabus, including schedule of topics and readings, by July 16.

Accommodations:

Room and board in climate-controlled dormitory accommodations at Marist College is free of charge to all participants who are students or professional scholars.

Schedule:

Saturday, July 31: Travel day. Arrive in Poughkeepsie by 5:00 PM for orientation and welcoming supper.
Sunday, August 1: AM and PM Sessions.
Monday, August 2: AM and PM Sessions.
Tuesday, August 3: AM and PM Sessions.
Wednesday, August 4: AM Sessions. PM Free time.
Thursday, August 5: AM and PM Sessions.
Friday, August 6: AM and PM Sessions.
Saturday, August 7: AM and PM Sessions. Closing dinner.
Sunday, August 8: Travel day.

Application Form