In the second year of the Fellowship, fellows will intensively study the five branches of philosophy through an Objectivist lens. Attending a total of fourteen lectures hosted by renowned scholars, students have the unique opportunity to learn from, and engage with, experts in Objectivism to gain a comprehensive worldview. To explain why Rand informally described Objectivism as a ‘philosophy for living on earth,’ the lectures offered in the second year of the Fellowship will be both theoretical and practical.Â
Lecturers in the second year include Prof. Dr. Dianne Durante, Prof. Dr. Eszter Nova, and Leopold Ajami. To pass these two semesters, students are expected to regularly attend class, read a wide variety of texts from Rand’s oeuvre, and both pass a final exam and write a 2,000-word essay.
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Sample List of Topics
– Objectivism and the American Educational System
– The Objectivist View of Law
– Objectivism and Heroism
– How to Sell Philosophy without Selling Out
– Why Did Iron Man Have to Die?: An Analysis of Disney Heroes versus Randian Heroes from a Screenwriting Perspective and What Our Heroes Say About Us
1. The basics of creative thinking
Description
Understanding what creative thinking is, why it is important, and the role it plays in problem-solving and innovation.
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Desired outcomes:Â
2. The power of mindset in creative thinking
Description
Understanding the role of mindset in creative thinking, and how a growth mindset can foster creativity.
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Desired outcomes:Â
3. Overcoming creative blocks
Description
Understanding the common obstacles to creative thinking and how to overcome them.
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Desired outcomes:Â
4. The role of play and experimentation in creative thinking
Description:Â
Understanding the importance of play and experimentation in fostering creativity and innovation.
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5. The power of collaboration in creative thinking
Description:
Understanding the role of collaboration in fostering creativity and generating new ideas.
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Desired outcomes:
6. The importance of diversity in creative thinking
Description:Â
Understanding the value of diversity in fostering creativity and innovation.
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Desired outcomes:Â
7. The role of failure in creative thinking
Description:
Understanding the value of failure in the creative process and how to learn from it.
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Desired outcomes:
8. Creative thinking in action
Description:Â
Putting creative thinking into practice in real-world situations.
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Desired outcomes:Â