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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 Tuesday, June 18, 2019.

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.

Yaron Brook, Onkar Ghate, and Gregory Salmieri will join Dave Rubin to discuss the growing threat to free speech.

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.

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.

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 Tuesday, June 18, 2019.

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.

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.

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.

Legacy Giving Manager Robert Begley presents an introduction to planned giving and ARI’s Atlantis Legacy program. Topics include minimizing taxes through charitable giving and providing future support for the Institute while achieving one’s estate planning objectives. Strategies and techniques will be illustrated with real-life examples of legacy gifts arranged by Atlantis Legacy donors, two of which will be in attendance, sharing their plans and motivations. A casual lunch buffet will be served, compliments of ARI. No RSVP is necessary.

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.

This presentation will launch an exciting new initiative of the Ayn Rand Institute—the Ambassador Program, which will support the development and success of Objectivist community groups around the world. Attend to learn about the program and consider becoming an Ambassador.

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

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.

Objectivist Academic Center students, auditors and alumni (1+ years) are invited to meet, mingle and raise a toast to this year’s graduates. A free drink and light fare are included.

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

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.

ARI hosts its annual “thank-you” lunch for participants in Atlantis Legacy, ARI’s planned giving program. Longtime Benefactors Allan and Marilyn Katz will share their thoughts on supporting ARI in the future and then take attendees’ questions about their lives and involvement in Objectivism. Invitations will be sent out in May to donors who have included the Institute in their estate plans and informed ARI that they have done so. RSVP by June 10 to David Gulbraa at 949-705-5632 or dgulbraa@aynrand.org.

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.

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.