Discussions

Each regular monthly meeting includes at least two discussion topics. These are some of the criterion for the selection of topics

1. Issues Objectivists need to take a position to make our philosophy more prepared to be a source of guidance for national politics and for general public acceptance.

2. Issues of long standing confusion that need to be resolved or clarified which would provide an intellectually stimulating discussion.

3. How to apply Objectivist principles to live a long happy life.

4. A clarification of basic Objectivist principles for people new to the philosophy.

Upcoming topics for Los Angeles Objectivists

These are subject to change. Verify topic before driving to event.

Location, time and other details.

Sunday, November 27, 2005
We will discuss a criticism of Objectivist Ethics by Michael Huemer found here:
http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/rand5.htm

This also provides other ideas to discuss:
http://home.sprynet.com/~owl1/rand.htm

Mr. Huemer is a professor who attends Objectivist conferences despite his article "Why I'm not an Objectivist".

RSVP here: http://www.evite.com/objective1@aol.com/ 20051127

Sunday, December 18, 2005
BASIC: Is every decision a moral decision?
ADVANCED: Is virtue a means or an end?
ACTIVISM: What should a "Declaration of Liberty" say?

Topics discussed in the past

Nathaniel Branden lead an open, informal discussion about about various Objectivist topics.

Should force be used to stop potential force?

How can we know if our concepts are valid?

Annual college debates nationwide in Sept. through Outside Speakers Committees

Does "don't initiate force or fraud" encapsulate everything that should be restained?

Is there a conflict between causality and freewill?   

Maximizing happiness units and a theory of measuring morality.

What principles should guide policy regarding what constitutes harm?

What would an animal have to do to gain an equal degree of rights as humans have?

How involved is volition in concept formation?

When should US soldiers fight outside US borders?

Is there an objectively true and proper punishment for each crime or is punishment unavoidable subjective?

Since rights ultimately rest on rationality, is it possible to accurately/objectively declare another person to be rational or irrational?

Presentation of The Force Minimization Theory of Ethical Taxation

How do we measure if we are winning or not?

What questions would we put in an Objectivist survey to measure if our activism is working?

How to respond to a jury duty summonsHow to reconstitute a debased system of language

Should acts involving a high probability of force be outlawed?

Ending Taxation

Egoist reasons to have children.

Children's rights in an Objectivist society.

Business Plan for a Capitalist Revolution.

Inquiry and Advocacy as a method of advancing idea.

Debate: Logan Darrow (SVO Founder) versus David Friedman: Is there a connection between "is" and "ought". Logan argued for the affirmative, Mr. Friedman argued for the negative.

You can lead a discussion

If you are very interested in a particular topic why not lead a discussion about it. We encourage members to lead discussions of topics that fit the general discussion parameters above. Just submit your idea to the e-mail address on the "Contact us" page.