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Objectivism Through Ayn Rand’s Fiction, Part I – Spring 2026

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Price

$499.00

Duration

8 weeks

Begins

April 2026

Live Class Time

1.5 hours/week, time TBD

Learn Objectivism Through the Works That Brought It to Life

If you discovered Ayn Rand through her novels, you’re not alone. But many readers, in their effort to understand Rand’s philosophy, leave her novels behind—focusing solely on her nonfiction essays.

That’s a mistake.

Rand developed Objectivism as a means to the end of writing her novels. Her fiction is where her philosophy took form. And she regarded her novels, especially Atlas Shrugged, as the fullest expression of that philosophy. Understanding Objectivism therefore requires careful study of the stories, characters, and conflicts through which Rand originated it—stories which contain the richest treatment of many of Objectivism’s central principles.

This course is your invitation to do just that—to study Objectivism through the novels in which Rand created it.

In Part 1 of this guided exploration, you’ll deepen your understanding of Rand’s views on:

  • the nature of life and values
  • the integration of work and life
  • individualism and independence
  • emotions
  • physical force
  • the Benevolent Universe Premise
—and more.

Join us and see how Rand’s “projection of an ideal man” illuminates her “philosophy for living on earth.”

Course Format: This course features exclusive recorded lectures by Onkar Ghate, not available elsewhere, and live instruction with Ben Bayer.

Start Dates

Choose the semester that fits your schedule at checkout.

Syllabus

Week 1: The philosophy of work and philosophy at work

Week 2: Choosing a career path 1

Week 3: Choosing a career path 2

Week 4: Career skills 1

Week 5: Career skills 2

Week 6: Developing a career vision and strategy 1

Week 7: Developing a career vision and strategy 2

Week 8: Final thoughts and open Q&A

How it Works

Attend Weekly Optional Live Classes

Join live online classes and participate in the discussion.

Recordings Provided

Can’t join the live class? Watch all classes anywhere, anytime.

Submit Optional Assignments

Submit assignments for feedback from expert faculty—or simply enjoy the content and discussions for personal enrichment.

Coaching Support

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.

What Students Say About ARI Live Courses

"Before I found Ayn Rand I was in my first year of university, really wasn't enjoying life too much. I didn't know what I wanted to do after university. My one passion was politics and it's safe to say my views lined up, not with Thomas Jefferson, but more Bernie Sanders at the time. A flatmate of mine...convinced me to give Ayn Rand a go. As a result of reading Ayn Rand I've gained a new found confidence in myself. ...I have a new found appreciation for life I simply never had before and it's always improving."
Ben Garson
Ben GarsonStudent
"Before I came across her philosophy I didn't really know what I wanted to do specifically after school.... after reading Ayn Rand I understood how aimless I had been before. Reading The Fountainhead helped me improve in my own thinking and my own actions. So I started [ARI Live Courses] to get a better understanding of Objectivism, to improve my own life and to be more aware of the goals and values that I have."
Marvin Steinmeister
Marvin Steinmeister Student
"I have been on a journey of discovery and growth for a year and a half now. Every day here has been a gem of an experience, a priceless opportunity that I will treasure forever. In this time, I have plunged into the depths of Objectivism, a philosophy that initially seemed clear, but revealed more complex and fascinating layers as I progressed."
Jose Roberto Briones Hernandez
Jose Roberto Briones HernandezStudent

Your Instructors

Recorded lectures by

Expert content creators who develop the core course materials.

Onkar Ghate

Onkar Ghate

Dr. Ghate is senior fellow, chief philosophy officer, and a board member of the Ayn Rand Institute. He specializes in Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, and is ARI’s senior instructor and editor. He publishes and lectures on Rand’s philosophy and fiction, including application of Objectivism to cultural issues. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Calgary.

Live instruction by

Interactive session leaders for weekly live classes and Q&A

Ben Bayer

Ben Bayer

Dr. Bayer is a fellow and director of content at the Ayn Rand Institute. He teaches at Ayn Rand University and gives talks and interviews for ARI. He writes and edits for ARI’s online publication, New Ideal. Dr. Bayer holds a PhD in philosophy and his writing focuses primarily on the application of philosophy to contemporary cultural and political controversies.

ARI Live Courses are for avocational and professional development purposes. They are not licensed and not accredited.

Buy Course
Apply for Student Discount

What's Included

  • Weekly live sessions via Zoom
  • Live class recordings
  • Optional graded assignments
  • 1:1 coaching support

Prerequisites​

Before starting this course, you must have read Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, We the Living, and Anthem. Firsthand knowledge of these works is assumed from the outset.

Explore More

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.

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The Morality of Capitalism, Part I – Spring 2026
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  • 2026
The Authoritarian Right – Winter 2026
  • Fall
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Objectivism, Work, and Business – Fall 2025
  • Summer
  • 2026
The Philosophy of Objectivism, Part II – Summer 2026
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  • 2025
Objectivism, Work, and Business – Fall 2025
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  • 2025
The Philosophy of Objectivism, Part I – Fall 2025
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  • 2025
Objectivism Through Ayn Rand’s Fiction, Part I – Fall 2025
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Objective Communication, Part II – Fall 2025
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