The February HOS meeting will feature a discussion of “An Untitled Letter,” written by Ayn Rand in 1973. In this article from The Ayn Rand Letter (reprinted in Philosophy: Who Needs It), Ayn Rand predicted that John Rawls’s book, A Theory of Justice, would become highly influential. Rand’s prediction has come true. In this meeting, we will discuss the ideas in A Theory of Justice and identify applications of those ideas in modern America. It will not be necessary to read Rawls’s book. If you would like additional information on A Theory of Justice, you can read a review by Dr. Douglas Rasmussen here.
Alex Epstein has agreed to speak in Houston in October. In addition to speaking to HOS, we would like to arrange other speaking engagements for him. In particular, we would like to arrange opportunities for Mr. Epstein to raise funds for the Center for Industrial Progress. If you know of a professional association, trade group, business, or other organization that may be interested in hosting a talk by Mr. Epstein, please let me know. Also, I am looking for volunteers to assist with contacting groups and making other arrangements.
The Atlanta Objectivist Society (ATLOS) is hosting its third regional conference on May 24-27, 2012. If you are interested in attending or making a presentation, you can contact ATLOS at atloscon@gmail.com. Proposals for presentations are due February 1.
Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology Study Group
We are in the process of forming a new study group. While specific details have not been determined, the group will study Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology. The group will meet one or two times per month. If you are interested in participating, click here.
Audio Recordings Now Available
Audio recordings of two past HOS meetings, including November’s meeting on The Closing of the Muslim Mind, are now available online for purchase. Click here to learn more.
YouGov Poll
A recent poll by YouGov found that 61 percent of Americans have heard of Ayn Rand. Among conservatives, 51 percent have a favorable view of her philosophy, while 62 percent of liberals have an unfavorable view. You can read more about the poll here.