Graduate Seminar in Objectivist Philosophy and Method, 2005

George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
July 31-August 5

Early application and travel stipend application deadline: May 16, 2005
Late applications accepted through July 8 as space permits.
Final application deadline is July 12.

PDF of the 2005 Graduate Seminar syllabus and schedule.

Purpose and content

The Graduate Seminar in Objectivist Philosophy and Method is an intensive course of instruction in Objectivism and in methods of philosophical analysis and writing. Its content varies from year-to-year. It is intended for graduate students, junior faculty, and post-doctoral scholars who wish to employ Objectivist ideas and methods in professional work in philosophy and related fields such as history and psychology. It is organized by The Objectivist Center (TOC). TOC Executive Director David Kelley, Ph.D., will be the lead instructor, assisted by TOC Director of Programs William Thomas, M.A.

For 2005, instruction will focus on the fields of ethics and politics. As a graduate-level course, the seminar will assume familiarity with the epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy of Objectivism. Participants will discuss technical issues in Objectivism and will use Objectivist methodological perspectives to assess prominent works in the philosophical literature.

In addition to substantive issues, the seminar will devote considerable time to methodological issues and problems, both common problems in understanding and applying Objectivist ideas and the flaws in methods frequently employed in contemporary academic philosophy. Participants will provide in advance a writing sample of approximately 5 pages addressing a topic in Objectivism. They will receive instruction on the principles of effective philosophical writing and will be expected to revise and improve their writing samples during or after the seminar.

The Graduate Seminar will be held July 31-August 5 at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., and in the Center's offices nearby at 1001 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 425.

Attendance will be strictly limited 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. A limited number of travel stipends will also be available to those who apply by May 16 (see below for more details). Applications from non-professional scholars with exceptional qualifications will be considered, though few or none may be accepted, and any such participants would need to pay a seminar fee of $800 or $150/day.

Participants will receive written evaluations based on their performance in the seminar and their work in revising their writing. Although the Center is not accredited by any outside body, these evaluations will serve participants and the Center as a record of their areas of excellence and shortcomings.

To apply, please complete the application form below.

Application deadline: May 16, 2005. Early applicants will be notified of their acceptance by May 25. Preference will be given to early applicants in acceptance and travel stipend award decisions.

Late application deadline: July 8, 2005. Late applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than July 15. Acceptance of late applicants will depend on available space.

Writing sample: Participants are expected to submit written work for discussion and evaluation in the seminar, and to revise their work during or immediately following the seminar. Writing samples should be no longer than 5 pages (double-spaced). Writing samples should present an Objectivist argument, offer an Objectivist critical perspective, or discuss a topic or thinker that is germane to Objectivism. New work is welcome, as is work previously prepared for a course, publication, or other venue. Please contact William Thomas or David Kelley at the Center if you have any questions about possible topics or formats. Writing samples should be submitted to The Objectivist Center by July 23.

Advance materials: A detailed syllabus, including schedule of topics and readings, is expected to be available by June 15.

Accommodations: Rooms in air-conditioned dormitory accommodations at George Washington University are free of charge to all participants who are students or professional scholars. Meals will also be arranged at no cost.

Transportation: GWU is in Washington's Foggy Bottom neighborhood and is served by a subway station with connections to Washington's National Airport and Union Station. Parking is available on GWU's Foggy Bottom campus for $15/day.

Seminar Schedule:

Sunday, 7/31:
Check in after 3 PM
Plan to arrive by 4 PM
Orientation 5 PM
Welcoming Dinner 5:30-7:20
Evening Session: 7:30-9:00

Monday, 8/1:
Breakfast
Morning Session 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Lunch
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Dinner

Tuesday 8/2:
Breakfast
Morning Session 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Lunch
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Dinner
Evening Session: 7:30-9:00

Wednesday 8/3:
Breakfast
Morning Session 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Lunch
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Dinner

Thursday 8/4:
Breakfast
Morning Session 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Lunch
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Dinner

Friday 8/5:
Breakfast
Morning Session 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Lunch
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Farewell dinner: 7:00 PM

Saturday 8/6: Depart
Check out by 11:00 AM