“The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live.” If Ayn Rand’s words are true, then nothing could be more important to building a wonderful life than developing a deep, actionable understanding of morality. That’s the purpose of this course, featuring exclusive recorded lectures by Tara Smith, professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin, plus discussion sessions with ARI Postdoctoral Fellow Tristan de Liège. Smith’s recorded lectures are not available anywhere else, and they are paired with essays and excerpts from Ayn Rand and Leonard Peikoff, as well as essays by other scholars of Objectivism.
Dive deep into the foundational principles of Ayn Rand’s moral philosophy while addressing some of the most common and pressing questions. Explore:
A genuine, fact-based moral code, as Leonard Peikoff put it, “is the instruction manual in regard to proper care and use that did not come with man. It is the science of human self-preservation.” Here’s your chance to deepen your understanding of that science alongside fellow active minds, with Smith—a world-class expert, author, and professor—as your guide.
Join live online classes and participate in the discussion.
Can’t join the live class? Watch all classes anywhere, anytime.
Submit assignments for feedback from expert faculty—or simply enjoy the content and discussions for personal enrichment.
All courses include access to top-notch coaches, who help you set goals, stay on track, and apply what you’re learning to career or intellectual pursuits.
Expert content creators who develop the core course materials.
Tara Smith
Interactive session leaders for weekly live classes and Q&A.
Tristan de Liège
ARI reserves the right to cancel or reschedule live courses. Students have the option to be refunded, credited, or transferred to another course should this occur.
ARI Live Courses are for avocational and professional development purposes. They are not licensed and not accredited.
ARI Live Courses participants must abide by our Code of Conduct and Confidentiality policies, and any other course policies communicated to participants.
Students should have some familiarity with Rand’s books and ideas, and at minimum should have read Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead before starting the course.
We offer foundational courses in Objectivism and objective communication each year, as well as courses in special topics such as epistemology, literature, business, and intellectual history.
