Discussion Groups
COS has multiple discussion groups that each meet once per month. In meetings, one or more members lead a discussion on an essay or other text that everyone read in advance. The discussion groups are dedicated to understanding and applying the principles of Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand. While COS members differ in the depth of their understanding of Objectivism, all are committed to understanding and applying the principles of Objectivism in their own lives.
The focus of these discussion groups is *not* primarily politics (more details).
Advanced Topics
This group covers more technical works, and larger works broken into multiple sessions. This discussion group requires familiarity with Ayn Rand's fiction, Virtues of Selfishness, and OPAR or equivalent.
OPAR
Over a 20-week period, this group studies Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand written by Leonard Peikoff, Ayn Rand's heir. It is a systematic presentation of Objectivism.
Discussions follow the study guide put together by Gary Hull which is available from the Ayn Rand Bookstore here, supplemented by talks given by George Saad who heads the Objectivist Club at the University of Chicago. We recommend that everyone purchase this book as we do not have permission from the publisher to produce copies to hand out.
The format for the discussion group will be as follows:
- Each week we will cover about 25 pages and discuss the corresponding questions.
- All sessions will be approximately 90 minutes long.
Temporary Location: Whole Foods at 1550 N. Kingsbury Street. We will be meeting every week starting on October 12th (Tuesday) at 7:00 pm.
Rules of Engagement: This group is open to anyone with a serious interest in developing a more complete understanding of Objectivism as a whole. All participants are expected to be respectful of each other and of the moderators. Complete agreement with Objectivism is not necessary, however, people with an axe to grind or people who wish to promulgate their own philosophy and debate are not welcome. The moderators reserve the right to exclude anyone for any reason.
The first week’s reading is pages 1 – 23. This starts at Chapter 1 and goes up until the heading “The Metaphysically Given as Absolute” and stops there.
Aesthetics
The purpose of this group is to communicate opportunities for Objectivists in the Chicago area to enjoy art and discuss it from the unique perspective presented in Ayn Rand’s The Romantic Manifesto. Approximately once per month, group members will be invited to attend an event—such as a concert, play or movie—followed by discussion. Occasionally, members may be invited to participate in discussion groups that will meet more frequently for the purpose of listening to a lecture course or analyzing a book. Additionally, notices will be posted about upcoming performances that may be of interest to this audience. Members are encouraged to suggest events—especially those in which COS members will perform.
IMPORTANT POLICY NOTICE: Expert knowledge of Objectivism is not required, but agreement with Miss Rand’s theories of aesthetics, to the extent that you understand them, is required. This group is not intended to provide a platform for the dissemination or debate of other philosophies, and the administrators will revoke access privileges from anyone who violates this policy.
To receive invitations and announcements for each of our discussion groups, please fill out the form here.