Donovan A.

I also really enjoy the Chat feature on ObjectivismOnline.net. Is this something that you guys could add?

The Culture of Reason Center, Dallas, Texas www.thecultureofreasoncenter.com EFFICIENT THINKING CD Audio Lectures by Barbara Branden Efficient Thinking is being offered with the written consent of Barbara Branden. Friday August 22nd through January 23rd, 2008. (All Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.) Admission: $5.00 per class. All payments are non-refundable. Each payment is due on the day of class. In the event of inclement weather or an emergency, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule. Lectures are for adults only. Children are not permitted on the premises. Participants are expected to make childcare arrangements. Thank you. For location address and or any further questions, please call 214-263-2002 or Email: cultureofreasoncenter@gmail.com This course will run weekly on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm beginning August 22nd 2008 This course includes discussions on the following issues: Why a science of thinking is necessary — the relation between efficient thinking and intelligence — the philosophical base of efficient thinking — the nature of intellectual focusing — the various levels of focusing — the problem of concentration — the nature of the subconscious — the subconscious as a "Univac" — the proper use of the subconscious — the psychology of "inspiration" — the effect of repression on thinking. The nature of the conceptual level of consciousness — the nature of intelligence — the destroyers of intelligence — thinking in essentials — the destructiveness of treating emotions as tools of cognition — the manner in which wishes and fears can distort the thinking process — "emotional-perceptual" thinking. The importance of knowing the source and validation of one's concepts — the role of integration in thinking — forms of the failure of integration — evasion as the sabotaging of consciousness — common aberrations in thinking and consequent mental habits — the inability to think in principles — the misuse of abstractions — the "socialized consciousness" and the destruction of language — failures of discrimination in thinking — the error of intellectual "package-dealing" — the danger of false axioms. Psychological causes of inefficient thinking: the surrender of the will to efficacy; failure of self-esteem; the "malevolent universe" premise; "social metaphysics" — the source and conditions of intellectual certainty. August 22nd An Introduction to Thinking (50:15) August 29th An Introduction to Thinking Part 2 (50:54) September 5th Focusing and Problem Solving (49:30) September 12th Focusing and Problem Solving Part 2(45:50) September 19th Automatic Mind Functions (49:50) September 26th Automatic Mind Functions Part 2 (46:50) October 3rd Conceptual Level of Consciousness (47:09) October 10th Conceptual Level of Consciousness Part 2 (46:15) October 17th Conceptual Level of Consciousness Part 3 (49:10) October 24th Conceptual Level of Consciousness Part 4 (48:00) November 7th Emotions As Tools of Cognition (50:50) November 14th Emotions As Tools of Cognition Part 2 (49:58) November 21st Language and Definitions (50:00) December 5th Language and Definitions Part 2 (46:20) December 12th Common Aberrations in Thinking (50:07) December 19th Common Aberrations in Thinking Part 2 (45:35) January 9th The Fallacy of The Stolen Concept (68:39) January 16th Causes of Inefficient Thinking (53:00) January 23rd Causes of Inefficient Thinking Part 2 (45:00)

Does this mean kids have the right to also say yes? I find this subject to be very difficult. The United States started off as a religious haven for people who faced persecution. Perhaps now our population's attitudes have changed. Therefore, we have a new more modern attitude in regards to religious freedom, and some communities have not kept up with us. Obviously, arranged marriages are problematic since we recognize a man and a woman's right to choose who he or she wants or does not want to marry. However, as far as I know this is not an uncommon practice in the world. Therefore, we should ask what should be done in regards to arranged marriages? Even if it is outlawed, religious families put enormous pressure to have their way. How many husbands and wives are acceptable? legally and morally? At what age should a person be able to consent to sex or marriage? Legally and morally? As Objectivists, it is important to think in principles. To consider the full range and implications of our positions and premises. On one side, we can ask should someone be able to treat their young as property? On the other side, do we grant the same full rights that an adult has to the very young? I think both answers are unacceptable. Children are a special case. Children (which needs to be defined) do not have the right to say "no" to their parents when their parents ask them to eat, to take medicine, go to school, to not take drugs, work, or clean their bedroom. A parent also has the right to use an appropriate (needs to be defined) level of force to discipline their children and ask them obey. Therefore, duties of both the child and the parent must be defined. Our culture in general is up to its eyeballs in religion, mysticism, tribalism and cultism. Common practices, are not necessarily rational or moral. We must be very conscientious in our thinking when it comes to the responsibilities of parents, and the rights of children. What are the basic fundamental rights of children? At what point can a child demonstrate objectively that he is now an adult? I think to start by approaching the subject only considering age is problematic. What does it mean to be an adult? In short, I would classify an adult as essentially someone who has the means and the ability to sustain his or her life independently, without aid. Who is responsible for adults that fail in the task of sustaining their own life? In general I am more concerned about the potential for government abuse of its power. Consider the following questions: Should the government force parents to give their children vaccinations? If yes, at who's expense? What if a child dies from a forced vaccination? Should the government force parents to: Send their kids to school? Adhere to a standardized educational program? Introduce or prohibit the exposure of any particular ideas to their kids? Is it acceptable to circumcise boys or girls? (I know many men, who wish they had not been circumcised) Should this practice be considered a violation of a child's rights? If a child gets cancer and the parents wish to use prayer instead of traditional medicine, what should be done? At who's expense? Should children be allowed to work in dangerous jobs? Coal mines? Logging? When should a child be free to leave their parents home? Anytime the child wants to? At any age? Should a child be free to access any information they want? Regardless of the parents values and philosophy? At who's expense? What happens when two consenting children have sex and the girl becomes pregnant? How is this different than if an "adult" and a "child" conceive a child together? Does the age and sex of the partners involved have any baring on the issue? If, we accept that prostitution should be legal. At what age or level of maturity would we allow a young person to enter this profession? Consider the same question in regards to pornography. Can we clearly distinguish the difference between art and pornography? Does that make any difference? In all of these cases, what is the appropriate response from the state? What are the general rights which the government is essentially bound to protect? Obviously, there can be no right to infringe upon the rights of others. The problem is that these two groups of people (Adults and Children) do not have equal rights. Our laws depend heavily on our ability to consider all of the reasonable variables. This is why different states have different laws regarding these very difficult issues. How we as Objectivists start to affect the culture around us, how we interrelate with the irrationality that exists around every other corner in the world is paramount. What we can demonstrate to the world is why we have something better to offer. That our means, will result in just and moral ends for adults and children alike.

I have obtained permission from Dr. Branden to host audio-samples of his Basic Principles of Objectivism Lectures on The Culture of Reason Center website. Please feel free to enjoy. www.thecultureofreasoncenter.com

I had 14 attendees last night for The Psychology of Sex. It was a very interesting lecture. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could reach more people? I am hopping to grow my attendance to 30 participants by the end of the year.

Thank you all for being so supportive! We are growing here in Dallas. And, I am striving to help create change in our culture. We had 16 people attend our first lecture! This has been a very exciting process for me.

I have a written consent from The Atlas Society to offer this course and to charge for it. Any audio-lectures I offer or plan to offer are given with the permission of the author or the copyright holder. Brant - I accept your apology. No harm done, though I think it is an unfortunate message to be posted right under my announcement. Especially since this thread is easy to find for someone who googles "Objectivism and Dallas" - For example. I understand your concerns. For the future, may I suggest asking someone if they have permission, instead of jumping to conclusions? Best regards, Donovan

I recently joined the Objectivist Living site and I really enjoy the atmosphere of respect and courtesy which is present here. However, I do think there are some ways that we could capture more participation. Please consider the following ideas: 1. The ability to search for members by location. This could greatly help members who want to find other Objectivists locally. 2. A Sexuality preference option. 3. The ability to search for members by sexual preference. 4. Relationship status option. 5. Local message boards: A place to advertise discussion groups and Objectivist clubs. Best regards, Donovan

Friends of Objectivism, The Culture of Reason Center is currently offering The Basic Principles of Objectivism course. These lectures were given by Nathaniel Branden with the consent and approval of Ayn Rand. Here is your chance to experience this monumental classic. These lectures are digitally re-mastered on CD. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. We allow an additional hour after the lectures for discussion. Admission is $5.00 per lecture. Please review our Syllabus: The Basic Principles of Objectivism Syllabus Tuesday January 8th through July 8th, 2008. (All Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.) Due to the structure of these lectures, some classes will extend beyond a one-hour lecture period. Admission: $5.00 per class. All payments are non-refundable. Each payment is due on the day of class. In the event of inclement weather or an emergency, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule. Lectures are for adults only. Children are not permitted on the premises. Participants are expected to make childcare arrangements. Thank you. To Register: Please call 214-263-2002 or Email: cultureofreasoncenter@gmail.com Visit: www.thecultureofreasoncenter.com January 8th The Role of Philosophy Part 1 and 2 January 15th What is Reason? / Logic and Mysticism January 22nd The Concept of God Part 1 January 29th The Concept of God Part 2 February 5th Free Will Part 1 February 12th Free Will Part 2 February 19th Efficient Thinking Part 1 February 26th Efficient Thinking Part 2 March 4th Self-Esteem March 11th The Psychology of Dependence Part 1 March 18th Spring Break - No lecture March 25th The Psychology of Dependence Part 2 April 1st The Psychology of Sex April 8th The Objectivist Ethics Part 1 April 15th The Objectivist Ethics Part 2 April 22nd Reason and Virtue April 29th Justice vs. Mercy May 6th The Evil of Self-Sacrifice Part 1 May 13th The Evil of Self-Sacrifice Part 2 May 20th Government and the Individual May 27th The Economics of a Free Society June 3rd Fallacies About Capitalism Part 1 June 10th Common Fallacies About Capitalism Part 2 June 17th Romanticism, Naturalism, and the Novels of Ayn Rand Part 1 June 24th Romanticism, Naturalism, and the Novels of Ayn Rand Part 2 July 1st The Nature of Evil July 8th The Benevolent Sense of Life Thank you, Donovan A. 214-263-2002 The Culture of Reason Center The Basic Principles of Objectivism Course is being offered with the consent of The Atlas Society.