Open to first-time attendees, ARI staff and speakers only.

Meet and mingle with fellow attendees at the official opening of OCON! The event is casual. We serve substantial appetizers or a light dinner and your fee includes one drink. A cash bar will be available. The Opening Reception is included in all week passes. Day pass holders: Cost to attend: $105. Registration deadline is Monday, June 17, 2019.

Concepts, though fundamental, are only tools—only means to an end. The end is the practical, productive, rational use of your mind to achieve your values, secure your survival, and enhance your life. That is the topic of this course: four classes on using concepts to think—to think in the way that reaches rational conclusions.

Thinking is in sentences—i.e., propositions. Combining theory with homework exercises, two classes contrast the logical and the illogical way to form propositions, then two classes deal with integrating propositions to reach new identifications of facts—i.e., induction and deduction.

Exercises will cover: propositions vs. pseudo-propositions; the fallacies of the stolen concept and self-exclusion; clear vs. vague, ambiguous, and crow-busting sentences; the categorical syllogism; the hypothetical syllogism; the five rules of validity; how to induce; and inductive fallacies.

Class 1: Logic and Propositions: Theory Propositions as the whole purpose of concepts; the “trans-temporal” nature of propositions; classifying propositions by their relation to reality: the true, the false, and the defective; three sources of defective propositions; the concept of “truth,” and how it differs from “knowledge” and “fact.” Propositional fallacies: stolen concept, self-exclusion, pure self-reference. Homework exercises on these fallacies.

This session — part lecture, part class discussion — examines the widespread and, according to Objectivism, destructive approach to thinking of morality in terms of fulfilling moral duties. We focus on questions such as: What is meant by a “duty”? Why does Objectivism regard the notion of duty as anti-morality? What does Objectivism regard as the proper way to think about the demands of morality?

Ayn Rand referred to certain popular, pre–World War I tunes as “my kind of music.” Her “tiddlywink” music is “gay, melodic, rhythmically ingenious and projects a totally unclouded sense of life.” What music did not express her sense of life? In a Q&A, Rand said she was “positively allergic to” the “satirical” and “anti-man” music of Gilbert and Sullivan. Quintessential tiddlywink pieces like “Canadian Capers” and “Amina” will be technically analyzed in this talk and contrasted with Gilbert and Sullivan’s music.

Welcome Remarks
Speaker: Tal Tsfany

The Romantic Manifesto is a rich and philosophically penetrating book. It is, Rand states in her introduction, a “declaration of my personal objectives or motives” as an artist and “of the theoretical grounds that entitle me to these particular objectives and motives.” We explore some of the insights into Objectivism we get from her manifesto and some lessons to take — and not to take — from the book to increase one’s enjoyment of art and of life.

This invitation-only luncheon is an opportunity for those working in intellectual fields to meet each other early in the conference and begin conversations that can continue throughout the week.

For the last five years, Alex Epstein’s 2014 New York Times best-seller, The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels, has been one of the most important books in the world of energy policy, influencing leading politicians, executives, commentators, and court cases. In early 2020, Penguin will release the revised and expanded The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels 2.0. In this talk, Mr. Epstein relates new developments in his thinking, research, and persuasion methodology, which he hopes will change the energy debate in 2020.

In this talk, Dr. Adalja provides a guided tour of some of the most game-changing innovations that are on the horizon in the field of infectious disease. Using the field of infectious disease as a backdrop, he discusses such topics as the microbiome, universal flu vaccines, CRISPR-CAS gene editing, bacteriophages, antimicrobial resistance, and immunotherapies. He also discusses the topic of regulation in this field and how it may impact innovation.

Mr. Feldman’s talk impresses upon the audience how the artist uses his knowledge of anatomy, transforming a sculpture, painting or drawing into a work of art. He uses images, the ecorché (an anatomical model of his own creation), and live demonstration, and hopes that by the end of the talk that the audience will appreciate how anatomy, while indispensable, is not the whole picture of how man can be represented as an ideal. This session ends at 6:30 PM

Many enthusiasts of Ayn Rand’s ideas are naturally interested in intellectual persuasion: how to persuade people of true ideas that they do not expect to agree with. In this talk, Mr. Epstein describes his framework for intellectual persuasion, which he calls “context-bridging.” Attendees learn the three essentials of context-bridging and how they apply to every form of persuasion, from political to business to personal.

Given the difficulty penetrating the inertia of academia, how do you open up universities to the ideas of Ayn Rand? Join a conversation to discuss current efforts at universities to introduce Objectivism into research and the curriculum. Many of these initiatives are being generously supported by Prometheus Foundation (aka Objectivist Venture Fund). Panelists will identify exciting opportunities to build on synergies across universities, globally, and discuss the various projects that Prometheus supports.

Discover the emotional charge of experiencing great theater with an audience who celebrate the best within us. Professional actors stage central scenes from one of the most exciting plays in dramatic literature, the extraordinary Cyrano de Bergerac. Featured will be scenes filled with both heightened action and Romantic language. Cyrano will be played by André Martin. We’ll hear introductory comments by director Ann Ciccolella, and the scenes will be followed by an open Q&A with the actors.

Concepts, though fundamental, are only tools—only means to an end. The end is the practical, productive, rational use of your mind to achieve your values, secure your survival, and enhance your life. That is the topic of this course: four classes on using concepts to think—to think in the way that reaches rational conclusions.

Thinking is in sentences—i.e., propositions. Combining theory with homework exercises, two classes contrast the logical and the illogical way to form propositions, then two classes deal with integrating propositions to reach new identifications of facts—i.e., induction and deduction.

Exercises will cover: propositions vs. pseudo-propositions; the fallacies of the stolen concept and self-exclusion; clear vs. vague, ambiguous, and crow-busting sentences; the categorical syllogism; the hypothetical syllogism; the five rules of validity; how to induce; and inductive fallacies.

Class 2: Logic and Propositions: Practice Analysis of homework exercises. Background for class 3 on deduction: the four traditional types of proposition—A, E, I, and O—and why only A and E are essential in thinking.

This session — part lecture, part class discussion — explores the fact that, and the ways in which, the guidance offered by the Objectivist ethics flows from the recognition of certain universal facts about human nature and the nature of the world in which man lives. The purpose of the session is to highlight the connection between facts and values from a uniquely Objectivist perspective.

Light opera had existed for generations as popular entertainment. After World War I, however, American composers brought new idioms such as ragtime and jazz to theaters, replacing European conventions with an American musical style more suited to 20th-century society, less hidebound by past tradition. This class examines two of the earliest landmarks of this new style, Showboat (1927) and Oklahoma (1943), in particular the way in which they each integrated all the aspects of musical theater in new ways.

A central message of The Romantic Manifesto is the value of enriching your life with great art. But how? Dr. Brook has long pursued a passion for bringing Romantic art to Objectivists and other buyers and seeking out great art around the world. Join him for a discussion of the difference between great art and art you like; how to define your personal favorites; and how, over time, to elevate your taste in art.

A New Textbook of Americanism: The Politics of Ayn Rand (2018) presents Rand’s distinctive philosophical conception of “Americanism” and shows why it is so urgently needed today. This panel features the book’s editor Jonathan Hoenig and several contributors to the book. Elan Journo will moderate this lunch event. Cost to attend: $49. Registration deadline is Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Is one of your goals as a parent or teacher to nurture a passion for reading in your children? Do you wonder about the role of reading instruction or screen time on the decline of reading in our culture? This presentation offers inspiration and practical advice for: • Building intrinsic motivation in children • Developing critical skills through a phonetic base and “total reading” • Choosing books (includes suggested reading lists by age) • Preparing your home or classroom environment • Exploring morality through literature.

Do you select actions because they help you to achieve values (“motivation by love”) or avoid disvalues (“motivation by fear”)? The same action can lead to happiness or suffering depending on your reason for taking it. You will learn: • The full meaning of “motivation by love” and its antithesis “motivation by fear” • The need to act from “motivation by love,” i.e., with the achievement of your values as your primary focus • How to switch to a values-focus when you spot “motivation by fear”.

Behaviorism—the idea that all learning occurs via stimulus-response associations—arose to counter Victorian psychology, was championed in Soviet Russia to create a New Soviet Man, and influenced generations of Americans. A philosophical critique of behaviorism has been presented by Ayn Rand and others, but few know the scientific critique. In this talk, Dr. Opfer reviews experimental research that critically undermined the behaviorist theory and supported the most important development in the history of psychology—the cognitive revolution.

Acquiring art can be and should be a uniquely personal and deeply rewarding experience. Finding that special work of art that one wants to live with is only the beginning. This talk provides valuable information and insight for anyone interested in choosing and purchasing art, now or in the future. This talk addresses questions of how the display and enjoyment of art can be optimized, and of how one’s investment in art should be cared for and adequately protected.

An intellectual career is a unique path. The Ayn Rand Institute is dedicated to training, fostering and supporting aspiring, promising intellectuals who are passionate about working with ideas for a living. Tal Tsfany, ARI’s CEO, will review the array of possibilities and opportunities available for qualified individuals.

As early as The Fountainhead, philosopher Ayn Rand argued that the ethics of altruism, although inevitably sold as other-worldly benevolence, is actually motivated by a quest for power here on earth. In this explosive talk, Valliant demonstrates that Christian altruism itself—at its inception—was part of a campaign of political propaganda by the Roman Empire, aimed at militant, Jewish religious nationalists of the first two centuries.

ARI will host a reception for Prime Movers and other donors who contribute at an annual level of $2,500 and above. This special event is by invitation only.

Come showcase your special talent at this fun event. MC Mikey Spicci. There will be a cash bar.

Concepts, though fundamental, are only tools—only means to an end. The end is the practical, productive, rational use of your mind to achieve your values, secure your survival, and enhance your life. That is the topic of this course: four classes on using concepts to think—to think in the way that reaches rational conclusions.

Thinking is in sentences—i.e., propositions. Combining theory with homework exercises, two classes contrast the logical and the illogical way to form propositions, then two classes deal with integrating propositions to reach new identifications of facts—i.e., induction and deduction.

Exercises will cover: propositions vs. pseudo-propositions; the fallacies of the stolen concept and self-exclusion; clear vs. vague, ambiguous, and crow-busting sentences; the categorical syllogism; the hypothetical syllogism; the five rules of validity; how to induce; and inductive fallacies.

Class 3: Logic and Inference: Deduction What inference is and why it has usurped the whole subject of logic; the syllogism; the five rules of the syllogism; how many valid forms of the syllogism are there—17 or 2?; the enthymeme; the hypothetical syllogism and its two valid forms; the only formal fallacy that people need to be taught.

Today, climate change is viewed in our culture as a crisis of unprecedented scale that is uniquely threatening and intractable. Yet, if we explore the history of the environmentalist movement, we find a pattern of forecasting similar environmental catastrophes that failed to materialize. What is it about environmentalism that gives rise to this pattern of failed predictions, and what lessons can we draw from them about today’s concerns related to climate and energy?

Light opera had existed for generations as popular entertainment. After World War I, however, American composers brought new idioms such as ragtime and jazz to theaters, replacing European conventions with an American musical style more suited to 20th-century society, less hidebound by past tradition. This class examines two of the earliest landmarks of this new style, Showboat (1927) and Oklahoma (1943), in particular the way in which they each integrated all the aspects of musical theater in new ways.

Morality is widely seen as a counterweight to self-interest, and it is often thought that adherence to esthetic principles constrains the artist’s ability to express himself and an audience’s ability to respond in a genuinely personal way. On this common view, principles are opposed to personal values. In this talk, Dr. Salmieri explores Rand’s contrary view that principles identify what makes personal values possible and that adhering to them enables an individual to value on a grand scale.

Foundations of a Free Society: Reflections on Ayn Rand’s Political Philosophy (2019) is an in-depth philosophic exploration of Rand’s advocacy of capitalism. The book relates her ideas to contemporary and historical debates, and particularly the views of other thinkers seen as defending individual liberty and free markets. This panel moderated by Elan Journo features contributors to the book. Cost to attend: $49. Registration deadline is Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

This talk discusses the meaning and importance of being honest, especially with oneself—why it matters, why it can be hard and how to make it a habit. Dr. Gorlin offers tools for introspecting the difference between reason and rationalizing, for staying selfishly committed to facts even when it hurts, and for correcting habits to the contrary. The talk draws on research and clinical experience, further clarified by Ayn Rand’s insights on the choice to focus.

Hugo was a giant. He created brilliantly Romantic novels, poetry and plays, and he did so with dedicated purpose: “Everything in a work of art is an act of the will.” Learn about the life, works and impact of the man Ayn Rand considered “the greatest novelist in world literature.” His writing, he said, “knocks on the door and says, Open up, I have come for you.” Let’s accept his invitation.

ARI will host a dinner to honor donors who contribute annually at the Benefactor level or higher. This special event is by invitation only.

If you have a talent for remembering facts, you’ll excel at this event. Put your knowledge of Ayn Rand’s life, writing and ideas to the test with some friendly competition. Who knows—you might go home a champion! A cash bar will be available. MC Mikey Spicci.

Concepts, though fundamental, are only tools—only means to an end. The end is the practical, productive, rational use of your mind to achieve your values, secure your survival, and enhance your life. That is the topic of this course: four classes on using concepts to think—to think in the way that reaches rational conclusions.

Thinking is in sentences—i.e., propositions. Combining theory with homework exercises, two classes contrast the logical and the illogical way to form propositions, then two classes deal with integrating propositions to reach new identifications of facts—i.e., induction and deduction.

Exercises will cover: propositions vs. pseudo-propositions; the fallacies of the stolen concept and self-exclusion; clear vs. vague, ambiguous, and crow-busting sentences; the categorical syllogism; the hypothetical syllogism; the five rules of validity; how to induce; and inductive fallacies.

Class 4: Logic and Inference: Induction Induction as the primary form of inference; why deduction presupposes induction; the “problem of induction”; Peikoff’s solution; inductive fallacies; final survey: overview of all logic.

Ayn Rand described Romanticism as “a category of art based on the recognition of the principle that man possesses the faculty of volition.” In this session, we discuss how her novel Atlas Shrugged fits into this category. Drawing on the framework Ayn Rand establishes in her essay “What Is Romanticism?,” we explore how the major conflicts in the plot of Atlas Shrugged express Rand’s commitment to the premise of volition in man’s existential action, and how the major value-conflicts faced by central characters in the novel express the same commitment in regard to man’s consciousness. We also highlight the importance of each of these features of Rand’s Romanticism and how they contribute to the enjoyability of the novel.

Once acclaimed as the heir apparent to Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff fled Soviet Russia in 1918 only to discover that Western music critics and intellectuals had begun to reject the Romantic voice of his youth. This series, through lecture, recorded examples, and live performance examines the post–World War I climate that Rachmaninoff encountered—and his heroic struggle against those forces.

One essential condition of fulfillment and happiness is the philosophic conviction that your life belongs to you. But it is only a condition. A truly fulfilled and happy life requires a sense of meaning. How to achieve that meaning is a question for which we have few tried-and-true, culturally established answers. Thankfully, one resource we do have for answering that question, or even knowing how to go about considering it, is great art. This talk explores how classic literature can contribute to the vital quest for meaning.

This talk presents what is known about intellectual ability including its proper definition, its measurement, its genetic basis, its association with life achievements and outcomes, and its relationship to volition. It also explains why the issue of intellectual ability has been politicized especially among intellectuals. A proper view of social justice will be presented.

John Keats lived a tragically short and miserably tragic life, and yet in his twenty-five years he wrote poetry that has brought insight, joy and beauty to readers for centuries. This talk weaves together the story of Keats’s life with some of his most beautiful works of poetry. Though what happiness Keats enjoyed was fleeting, he left an enduring legacy of art that can contribute powerfully to ours.

Art is a universal need of man qua man, yet most people’s awareness of art is limited to the Western tradition. This horizon-expanding lecture offers an introduction to the culture of medieval Persia. Dr. Wood analyzes, in Objectivist terms, the ways in which the poets, painters and architects of that era distilled their sense of life into concrete form. The reward is an increased appreciation of Ayn Rand’s insights into art, as well as of a lesser-known legacy of human creativity.

Come learn the latest on spreading Ayn Rand’s ideas on a global scale. Hosted by Annie Vinther Sanz and Anu Seppala.

Objectivism teaches us to define our values in terms of reality, reason and rational self-interest. Toastmasters provides a positive and supportive culture in which to gain leadership and public speaking skills. Individual toastmasters, worldwide, learn to listen, lead, mentor and demonstrate integrity. You can help move the cultural needle by adding Toastmasters training to your activism toolkit.

This session is for students only and is required for those receiving OCON scholarships. Students will meet with mentors from various industries, and with intellectuals and conference speakers for conversations about professional and personal development. ARI staff will be present to discuss how students can continue their exploration of Rand’s philosophy and how they can stay in touch with those they’ve met at OCON. Mentors from a variety of fields will participate, including academia, business, education, marketing, nonprofits, philosophy, policy, psychology and technology.

Find out where we’ll gather next year and register for OCON 2020 at a large discount. Everyone’s invited. Cash bar will be available.

Join us for an evening of great music, as conductor Thomas Shoebotham leads the Cleveland professional ensemble OPUS 216 in a concert of works by Edvard Grieg, Samuel Barber, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Grieg’s Holberg Suite is based on eighteenth-century dance forms, written to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Norwegian humanist playwright Ludvig Holberg. The Barber Adagio for Strings is an arrangement by Barber himself of the slow movement from his String Quartet, premiered by Toscanini in 1938. Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, written in 1880, is one of his most popular works, based on classical forms, and full of lyrical writing for all the instruments.

Concepts, though fundamental, are only tools—only means to an end. The end is the practical, productive, rational use of your mind to achieve your values, secure your survival, and enhance your life. That is the topic of this course: four classes on using concepts to think—to think in the way that reaches rational conclusions.

Thinking is in sentences—i.e., propositions. Combining theory with homework exercises, two classes contrast the logical and the illogical way to form propositions, then two classes deal with integrating propositions to reach new identifications of facts—i.e., induction and deduction.

Exercises will cover: propositions vs. pseudo-propositions; the fallacies of the stolen concept and self-exclusion; clear vs. vague, ambiguous, and crow-busting sentences; the categorical syllogism; the hypothetical syllogism; the five rules of validity; how to induce; and inductive fallacies.

Class 5: Course Q&A

According to Ayn Rand, the theme of Atlas Shrugged is “the role of the mind in man’s existence.” In this session, we explore how Rand conveys her distinctive theory of free will, that the operation of the mind itself is volitional. In particular, we focus on a key conflict in the plot that is resolved only when one character realizes that the mind is volitional.

Once acclaimed as the heir apparent to Tchaikovsky, Sergei Rachmaninoff fled Soviet Russia in 1918 only to discover that Western music critics and intellectuals had begun to reject the Romantic voice of his youth. This series, through lecture, recorded examples, and live performance examines the post–World War I climate that Rachmaninoff encountered—and his heroic struggle against those forces.

In the Romantic Manifesto, Ayn Rand reports that before she heard the name “Aristotle,” she had accepted his principle “that fiction is of greater philosophical importance than history, because history represents things only as they are, while fiction represents them ‘as they might be and ought to be.’” The aim of this talk is to explain the role of this principle in Aristotle’s esthetics and Ayn Rand’s, and to note other parallels between the Poetics and Romantic Manifesto.

Many people believe that while freedom of speech is a vital human liberty, economic freedom is entirely separate, merely a distant and inferior relation. This lecture exposes their error by examining the underappreciated implications of free speech on free markets. After isolating the First Amendment’s core concern as intellectual freedom, Smith demonstrates how the mind is the bridge between speech and property—between intellectual activity, on the one hand, and its manifold material rewards, on the other.

The shale revolution is one of man’s most impressive achievements. Born out of a spirit of entrepreneurism, disruptive thinking and self-interest, this revolution has brought the United States out of an era of energy scarcity and into an era of energy abundance. However, allied forces in government, media and the radical green movement conspire to destroy the shale revolution, despite its virtues, through Trojan Horse tactics linked to collectivist social purposes. DeIuliis examines this effort to build a societal paradigm predicated on government control of private enterprise and the enabling of the second-hander.

Objectivism is a “philosophy for living on earth” as Ayn Rand wrote. In this discussion, Ms. Agarwal and Mr. Tsfany cover how they understand the process of implementing Rand’s philosophy in one’s life and career. The conversation covers aspects of discovering, defining and pursuing a life of purpose and, consequently, happiness and fulfillment.

We’ll close OCON with a buffet dinner reception. Your fee includes two drinks and a cash bar will be available. Come to enjoy the company of old and new friends, and after the reception, dance the night away! This event is dressy; coats and ties for gentlemen, evening wear for ladies, please. Cost to attend: $130. Registration deadline is Sunday, June 23, 2019.