Program
General Sessions
Group Sessions
Meals
5:00 – 7:00 PMRegistration
7:00 – 9:00 PMWelcome Reception and Opening Remarks
9:00 – 10:00 AM Yaron BrookObjectivism Is Radical
Based on what you’ve seen of Ayn Rand’s writings and ideas, you may already have the sense that she holds distinctive views on many important questions. But you might not realize just how radical a thinker she was. In this talk, Yaron Brook will give an overview of Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, with an emphasis on the ways in which her thought represents a highly original, radical rethinking of the most fundamental questions of life.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Yaron Brook, Nikos Sotirakopoulos, Yonatan Daon (moderator)Small-Group Discussions and Q&A About Objectivism
This session is a fun, fast-paced icebreaker designed for attendees to meet each other and talk philosophy. In the first portion of this session, you break into small groups to talk with your fellow attendees on the topic titled: “What questions do you have about Objectivism?” You’ll discuss each other’s questions and vote up one or two that your group will raise with our panel of speakers. In the second portion of the session, a representative from each group will ask their group’s top questions, bringing the perspective of our experts into the conversation.
1:30 – 2:15 PM Nikos SotirakopoulosWhat Have the Capitalists Ever Done for Us?
Can you imagine your life without your smartphone, without cars, and without your local supermarket? Probably not. Yet, we spend very little time understanding what made these things possible. Even more, the great creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who built the world we live in, are often met with scorn. For many, the term “capitalist” evokes emotions of moral suspiciousness, if not outright hostility. In this lecture, we will try to understand the great producers. What are their essential characteristics, and how should we evaluate them?
3:00 – 4:30 PMReading Discussion Group: “What Is Capitalism?”
Experience what it’s like to receive feedback from Ayn Rand University faculty on your own work. Do the assigned reading and complete a homework assignment. If you submit your work by the deadline, your assignment might be selected for discussion during the conference!
Click here to download the homework for this session.
9:00 – 9:45 AM Nikos SotirakopoulosReflections of a Former Marxist
Why is Marxism still viewed by many as an idealistic and inspiring ideology, despite the misery and destruction it has brought to the world? What does the success of Marxism tell us about the most effective way of fighting it? Dr. Nikos Sotirakopoulos, a former communist, will guide us through Marxism’s poisonous appeal, and what eventually made him see through it.
9:45 – 10:30 AM Yaron BrookThe Middle East Conflict
In this talk, Yaron Brook will explain why everything you’ve heard from your professors about Israel and the Middle East conflict is wrong, and why anyone who truly cares about freedom and individual rights should be fully in support of Israel’s right to self-defense.
11:15 AM – 12:30 PMMentoring/Networking Session
2:00 – 3:30 PM Yaron Brook, Nikos SotirakopoulosQ&A Panel on Objectivism
Here is your chance to ask any questions you have about Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism.
4:15 – 4:45 PMYonatan DaonClosing Remarks
Objectivist Conferences / Ayn Rand® Institute reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to the schedule. Speakers, talks and events will be added periodically, as they are confirmed.
