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In the second semester, fellows will deepen their understanding of several key philosophers and be introduced to Objectivism, the philosophy developed by novelist Ayn Rand. By integrating Rand with seven other thinkers and ‘thinkers,’ students are supposed to grasp how Objectivism relates to, and differs from, other thought systems. At the same time, fellows are expected to gain a clear picture of the hierarchical structure of (sound) philosophical systems by acquainting themselves with the five branches of philosophy.
Lecturers in the second semester include Prof. Dr. Eric Daniels, Craig Biddle, and Martin Hooss. To pass the course, students are expected to regularly attend class, read excerpts from the works of Rand and the other philosophers discussed in the course, and write a 2,000-word essay to prove that they have understood the fundamental tenets of Objectivism.
Sample Study Plan
II.1: Reason Rules: Rand & Aristotle
II.2: Long Live (Lady) Liberty: Rand & John Locke
II.3: Metaphysics, or Reality versus the Noumenal World: Rand contra Immanuel Kant
II.4: Epistemology, or Objectivism versus Subjectivism: Rand contra René Descartes
II.5: Ethics, or Rational Self-Interest versus Irrational Hedonism: Rand contra Friedrich Nietzsche
II.6: Politics, or Capitalism versus Collectivism: Rand contra Plato
II.7: Esthetics, or Romanticism versus Naturalism: Rand contra Sinclair Lewis
1. The basics of influence and persuasion in leadership
Description
Understanding the difference between influence and persuasion, and why both are important for effective leadership.
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2. The power of emotional intelligence in influence and persuasion
Description
How leaders can use emotional intelligence to effectively influence and persuade others.
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3. Building trust and credibility
Description
The key to successful influence and persuasion in leadership is the ability to build trust and credibility with those you lead.
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4. The art of communication
Description:
Effective communication is essential for successful influence and persuasion in leadership. This session will focus on the importance of clear, concise, and persuasive communication.
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5. The power of body language
Description:
Nonverbal cues can have a big impact on how others perceive you and your message. This session will focus on the importance of body language in influence and persuasion in leadership.
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6. The role of storytelling in influence and persuasion
Description:
Stories can be a powerful tool for persuading and influencing others. This session will focus on the role of storytelling in leadership and how to effectively use stories to persuade and influence.
Desired outcomes:
Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.
7. The importance of empathy in influence and persuasion
Description:
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This session will focus on the importance of empathy in leadership and how it can help you effectively influence and persuade others.
Desired outcomes:
Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.
8. Overcoming resistance to influence and persuasion
Description:
Not everyone will be easily persuaded or influenced. This session will focus on strategies for overcoming resistance and achieving successful influence and persuasion in leadership.
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