Graduate Seminar 2010
Topic: Argument Analysis and Philosophic Detection
To be held on the campus of George Washington University, Washington, D.C., August 1–6, 2010.
A rich week of studying Objectivist philosophic method, with experts open to criticism and willing to debate Ayn Rand's ideas, who can teach the richness of Objectivism as well.
Seminar Description:
The Graduate Seminar in Objectivist Philosophy and Method is a week of lectures, discussions, and workshops designed for graduate students, junior faculty, and post-doctoral scholars of philosophy and related fields such as history, political science, and psychology. It is organized by The Atlas Society (TAS), the center for Objectivism.
TAS founder David Kelley, Ph.D., Shawn Klein, M.A. of Rockford College, and TAS Director of Programs William R Thomas, M.A will be the lead instructors for this intimate and intensive week of intellectual development.
Instruction in 2010 will focus on using argument analysis and contextual definitions to engage in philosophical detection and argument. The syllabus will focus on key elements of argument analysis technique, including defining concepts, diagramming arguments, and identifying the essential structure of complex debates or expositions. Students will also learn presentation skills and put their philosophic detection skills to work by presenting an Objectivist analysis of a prominent philosophical problem or theory.
The Graduate Seminar sessions will be held August 1 – 6 at George Washington University in downtown Washington, D.C, near the TAS offices. Participants can expect to arrive on Sunday, the 1st and depart on Saturday morning, the 7th. Attendance will be strictly limited to around 10 participants to maintain a productive small-group setting and maximize the benefit participants can gain from taking part.
The seminar is free of charge to qualified student and professional scholar participants. Participants are provided with a single room on the G.W.U. campus and a stipend to cover food expenses at the seminar. A limited number of travel stipends to a maximum of $300 will also be available, with preference in making travel awards given to those who apply by May 14.
(Applications from non-professional scholars with exceptional qualifications will be considered and any such participants would need to pay a seminar fee of $900 or $180/day.)
Get the application form.
The early application deadline is May 14, 2010.
Early applicants will be notified about their acceptance by May 23. Preference will be given to early applicants in acceptance and travel stipend award decisions. Applicants who need a decision before May 23 are welcome to request an early decision at the time that they apply.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through July 9, 2010.
Applicants after May 14 will be notified regarding their acceptance on a rolling basis, but no later than July 16. Acceptance of late applicants will depend on available space and funds.
Questions? Contact w thomas at Atlas Society dot org for more information, or call The Atlas Society.