WHEN:
TUESDAY, September 7, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 8
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 2, Chapter 3 (Part B) - Part 2, Chapter 4
Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail (Part B)
Part 2: Chapter 4: The Sanction of Victim
Or:
Pages 438-495 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 412-465 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

AUTHOR:
http://www.exploreaynrand.com/1957/
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for
ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas
Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for anyone wishing to study the novel in
more depth. They may be freely used for the study and discussion of Atlas
Shrugged, provided that this paragraph remains intact in any reproduction.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.

Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail
Section 4 (438-440)
- What kind of stress makes a person “vulnerable” to the destroyer? (439)

Section 5 (440-447)
- How is Ken Danagger changed when Dagny meets him?  Does she have any chance
of reversing his decision?  Why not? (443-7)

Section 6 (447-460)
- How does Hank Rearden respond to Ken Danagger’s quitting?  Why can’t he
blame or follow Danagger? (448-9)
- What is the basic point of Francisco’s interrogation of and then speech to
Rearden? What does Rearden learn from that? (451-6)
- Why does Francisco respond the way that he does to the break-out at the
mills?  How is that response contrary to his aims?  Why can’t Francisco
continue his conversation with Hank after that?  (456-60)
- Why does Hank Rearden risk his life to save Francisco during the break-out?
Is that altruistic? Why or why not? (458)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Part 2: Chapter 4: The Sanction of the Victim
Section 1 (461-475)
- How has Hank Rearden’s attitude toward and treatment of his family changed?
How — and why — has it remained the same?  (461-71)
- Why does Lillian barrage Hank with guilt? What does she want him to think,
feel, and do? What flaw does Hank see in that plan? (464-6)
- What does Philip say to offend Hank? How — and why — does Hank respond?
How is that moral progress for Hank? How does Philip (and the rest of his
family) respond to Hank? (467-70)
- Why does Eddie wish to disavow Hank Rearden’s trial as not being in his
name?  How does Hank respond? Why? (473)
- How — and why — does Hank have a more meaningful Thanksgiving with Dagny
than with his family?  (474-5)

Section 2: (475-484)
- What is Rearden’s basic strategy in the trial?  What moral principles does
he appeal to? To what extent is he successful?  What does he learn? (476-82)

Section 3 (484-495)
- How do people respond to the trial of Hank Rearden?  How do they reveal
their own moral principles in those responses?  (484-5)
- Why is Hank concerned by Francisco’s apparent pursuit of mindless pleasures,
particularly sex? What does Hank learn from the discussion?  How is sex
related to economics? (489-93)
- Why does Francisco refuse to prevent the sinking of the copper shipment?
Why is he tempted to do so? Why does Hank feel so betrayed?  Should he be?
(494-5)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

Note: if you want to prepare for the meeting,
read “Outliers”, by Malcolm Gladwell.

WHEN:
SATURDAY, August 21, 2010 7:00-7:30 PM Start Time

TOPIC:
Luck, Outliers and Objectivism
Based on
“Luck in the Pursuit of Life”
a course by Dr. Diana Hsieh
and
“Outliers, The Story of Success”
by Malcolm Gladwell

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
Jackie will review what she learned in Dr. Diana Hsieh’s course “Luck in the
Pursuit of Life”, specifically how ideas about luck have affected ideas about
morality.  Gladwell’s book “Outliers” will be discussed.  Do you have to be
lucky to be an outlier?  Is Objectivism itself and outlier?  Rand’s ideas
about luck will be covered.

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

NOTE CHANGE OF TIME AND LOCATION!

WHEN:
TUESDAY, August 3, 2010 6:30 PM

WHERE:
QUEEN’S PIZZA
125 W. Main Street
Mesa, AZ  85201
480-964-1609
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.
Free Parking behind the restaurant.

Stop by Mike Riley’s establishment before the meeting
BOOK GALLERY
50 W. Main Street
Mesa, AZ  85201
480-835-0757
They normally close at 6 but will remain open until 6:30 so we can visit.
I would plan 30 minutes to an hour of browsing.

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 7
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 2, Chapter 2 - Part 2, Chapter 3 (Part A)
Part 2: Chapter 2: The Aristocracy of Pull
Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail (Part A)
Or:
Pages 352-406 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 379-438 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

AUTHOR:
http://www.exploreaynrand.com/1957/
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for
ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas
Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for anyone wishing to study the novel in
more depth. They may be freely used for the study and discussion of Atlas
Shrugged, provided that this paragraph remains intact in any reproduction.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.

Part 2: Chapter 2: The Aristocracy of Pull
Section 1 (379-382)
- What kind of person is Quentin Daniels?  How is he different from the
scientists Dagny interviewed earlier?  (380-1, 353)

Section 2 (383-387)
- What kind of deal did Hank Rearden and Ken Dannager make? What are the
risks? Why are they willing to take those risks? (383)
- Why is Lillian determined to attend James Taggart’s wedding with Hank?  Why
does Hank want to do anything but that? Why does Hank agree to attend?
(385-7)

Section 3 (387-392)
- How does Jim Taggart court Cherryl?  Why and how is she pained by it?
(387-92)

Section 4 (392-422)
- How and why the wedding party a major political event? How do Orren Boyle
and James Taggart think of and deal with other people, including each other?
(392-5)
- How and why does Lillian bring Hank as a present for Jim Taggart?  What does
she reveal about her aims with respect to her husband?  What is the
non-material recompense that Lillian wants from Jim? (398-400)
- How and why is Lillian repeatedly frustrated in her conversation with Dagny?
Why does Lillian want the bracelet of Rearden Metal back from Dagny?  Why
does Dagny respond as she does?  What is the significance of Hank’s response?
(400-3)
- Why doesn’t Dagny reproach Hank for appearing at the wedding with Lillian?
Why is Hank tortured?  How does that reflect their different views of their
relationship? (396-8, 403-4)
- What does Francisco mean in saying that an aristocracy of pull replaces an
aristocracy of money when a culture is freed from (in Taggart’s words) “the
stranglehold of the profit-chasers”?  (404)  Is that true?  How have we seen
that so far in the novel?
- What is Francisco’s response to the Biblical claims that “money is the root
of all evil” and that “love of money is the root of all evil”?  What are the
critical points that Francisco makes?  How does he connect money with
production and man’s mind?  How is money only a tool?  Why is the only
alternative to money brute force?  (410-5)
- Why is Hank so happy to see Francisco?  What is the significance of the
friendship to each man?  (415)
- Why does Francisco reveal the impending crash of D’Anconia Copper at the
party? Why does he want Hank Rearden to see the panic of the looters? How
does that crash connect to Francisco’s speech on money? (421-2)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Part 2: Chapter 3: White Blackmail
Section 1 (423-428)
- Why does Dagny take the attitude she does toward the fact that Hank is
married?  Why is seeing him suffer the worst part for her, not seeing him
with Lillian?  (425-6)
- Why does Dagny say that if one person’s pleasure must be bought at another
person’s pain that no trade should be done?  How would that apply to Hank’s
relationship with Lillian?  (425-6)  Should that apply to all relationships?

Section 2 (428-432)
- Why did Lillian suspect Hank of having an affair?  What kind of person does
she suppose his mistress to be?  Why?  (428-30)
- What is Lillian’s response to Hank’s affair? Why is she determined to remain
Mrs. Rearden? Why does Hank agree to that? (428-32)

Section 3 (432-438)
- What is Dr. Ferris’ manner of dealing with Hank Rearden?  What kind of
agreement is Ferris hoping to reach with Rearden?  What does Rearden choose
to do instead? (432-7)
- What does Rearden learn about the looters in his conversation with Dr.
Ferris?  (432-7)  Why does Ferris want people to break their laws?  (435-7)

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

Jackie & Lyman Hazelton are hosting the tenth annual
Arizona Objectivists’ Potluck and Party at their home
on Saturday, July 17, 2010 beginning at 6 PM.

DINNER:
Sandwiches (Cold Meats and Cheeses, Bread and/or Rolls)
Make Your Own Sundae

YOU BRING:
A side dish, a dessert, or beverages.
Options include: salad (potato, fruit, green, pasta, etc.),
vegetables, cookies, cake, wine, beer.
Please avoid anything that needs to be heated.
We’ve got the chips covered too.

DISCUSSION:
Free Minds 2010 Conference recap
OCON 2010 Summer Conference recap

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

WHEN:
SATURDAY, June 19, 2010 7:00-7:30 PM Start Time

TOPIC:
Immigration based on the editorial comment
Illegal Means Illegal in Arizona Now
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103354078329&s=5288&e=001jCxQ209qxz1Ng-wvNaEfFRAxJ_wbb4JwOb3DRhwsWK7oBOw_LvvwUh6J2WG85TsX8T2UdKkfCmDzpmdtm6rmv9GCcBASmjXT9zjw3otQIL8yvFrPOYBdayxm8cCFkHKkEXcNK16ZZ61RGSgRElyGMgwZv9mZjS4Y]
By William Thomas
Copyright, The Atlas Society. For more information, please visit
www.atlassociety.org.

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
Jackie will review what Rand had to say about immigration and then lead a
discussion on the Thomas editorial comment.

The Atlas Society describes the editorial comment as follows.
“Arizona has enacted a law that makes illegal immigration to the U.S. a state
crime.  As the top state for border-crossings from Mexico (and so, the main
way station for illegal entry into the U.S.), Arizonans were tired of waiting
for the Federal Immigration and Naturalization Service to stem the tide of
illegal immigration into their state. They were also afraid that crime was
rising due to the presence of law-breaking illegals.”

“There has been an outcry against the law from the Obama administration,
Latino groups, and “progressives.” But let’s face it: illegal immigration is
illegal, isn’t it?”

“From his perch in Guatemala, the country of origin of many of America’s
illegals, William Thomas, The Atlas Society’s director of programs, parses
the immigration  problem, which has caused such passionate divisions in the
United States.”

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

WHEN:
TUESDAY, June 1, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 6
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapter 10 (Part B) - Part 2, Chapter 1
Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt’s Torch (Sections 5-9)
Part 2: Chapter 1: The Man Who Belonged on Earth
Or:
Pages 309-378 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 294-358 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

AUTHOR:
http://www.exploreaynrand.com/1957/
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for
ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas
Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for anyone wishing to study the novel in
more depth. They may be freely used for the study and discussion of Atlas
Shrugged, provided that this paragraph remains intact in any reproduction.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.

Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt’s Torch
Section Five: 309-13
- What do we discover about Eugene Lawson in the course of his conversation
with Dagny Taggart? What did he seek and gain from the needy people to whom
he granted loans, if not wealth? (309-13)

Section Six: 313-21
- How are Lee Hunsacker and Midas Mulligan different? How and why do they
clash? Are the two men morally different? If so, how? (313-21)

Section Seven: 321-24
- What was the basic scheme for the Twentieth Century Motor Company
implemented by the Starnes heirs? Why does Dagny think that it is pure evil?
(323)
- What was Ivy Starnes’ philosophy when she inherited the Twentieth Century
Motor Company? What is it now? Why did she change as she did? (323)

Section Eight: 324-27
- How is Mrs. Hastings different from everyone else that Dagny has
interviewed? Why is that important? (324-7)

Section Nine: 327-36
- What is so puzzling about Dr. Akston’s meeting with Dagny? What conclusions
can she draw from it, if any?
- What is the Fair Share Law? What is its basic premise? Why was it passed?
(333) How will it kill Colorado?
- Why does Ellis Wyatt rebel against the Fair Share Law as he does? How has he
fulfilled his earlier promise to Dagny? How does Wyatt’s action affect Dagny?
(333-6)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Whole Part
- What is the significance of the title of this part?

Part 2: Chapter 1: The Man Who Belonged on Earth
Section 1: 339-49
- How has the state of the world changed since the end of Part 1? How has it
declined?
- Why does Dr. Stadler want to meet with Dr. Ferris? Why won’t Stadler do
anything about the book? How is this choice similar to and different from the
choice Stadler made about Rearden Metal? (342-8)

Section 2: 349-60
- What was the effect of the elimination of Wyatt Oil from the market?
(349-50) Are large producers a boon to small ones?
- What is the effect of the Fair Share Law on Taggart Transcontinental? Why is
Taggart Transcontinental making more money than ever? What is Jim’s response?
(352)
- Why does Dagny feel greater revulsion at Dr. Stadler than Jim or Orren
Boyle? (353) Is he worse than the others? Why or why not — and how?
- What does Dr. Stadler want from Dagny? What does she give him? Is she right
to do so? (354-60)
- Why does Dr. Stadler want to see the motor? How and why does he almost
redeem himself? (358-9)

Section 3: 360-7
- Why does Rearden refuse to sell any Rearden Metal to the State Science
Institute? What does he suggest they do instead? Why? (360, 365-6)
- How has the Fair Share law affected Rearden’s business? Why? (361-2)
- What danger does Rearden feel on hearing the news of Wyatt’s departure from
the world? What is his response? Is that right or not? (363)
- What moral insight does Rearden’s conversation with the representative of
the State Science Institute reveal? What does he now understand? (366-7)

Section 4: 367-78
- How has Hank’s view of his relationship with Dagny changed? How is that
reflected in his actions toward her? (367-78) Why does Dagny think that she
can help Hank win his deliverance from guilt, but that she cannot do so by
words? (367)
- What does Hank discover about the looter’s desire for sanction? How is it
important? Why should they withhold that sanction? (377-8)
Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
2153 E. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

WHEN:
SATURDAY, May 15, 2010 7:00-7:30 PM Start Time

TOPIC:
The Future of Objectivism
Video of a talk by David Kelley
at the Free Minds 2009 Conference

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
The future of Objectivism depends on the choices people make.  In this talk,
Kelley discusses the elements of Objectivism, the view from the inside, the
view from the outside (non-Objectivists) and Objectivism as a way of life.
In particular, he identifies 3 hard nuts to crack where Objectivism must
supply alternatives if it is to have a broader influence in the culture.

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

WHEN:
TUESDAY, May 4, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 5
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapters 9 - 10 (Part A)
Part 1: Chapter 9: The Sacred and the Profane
Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt’s Torch (Sections 1-4)
Or:
Pages 253-309 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 241-294 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

AUTHOR:
http://www.exploreaynrand.com/1957/
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for
ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas
Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for anyone wishing to study the novel in
more depth. They may be freely used for the study and discussion of Atlas
Shrugged, provided that this paragraph remains intact in any reproduction.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.

Part 1: Chapter 9: The Sacred and the Profane
Section 1: 253-56
- Why does Hank say what he says to Dagny the morning after their first night
together? Why does Dagny’s reaction change as she listens to him? Why does
she says what she says in response? (254-6)

Section 2: 256-67
- What kind of person is Cherryl Brooks? How and why does Cherryl
misunderstand Jim Taggart’s character? What does she think of what he says?
Why doesn’t she see the truth about him? (257-67)

Section 3: 267-9
- Why is Hank Rearden so tortured by the fact of Dagny’s past lover? What does
that tell her (and us) about him? Why won’t she tell Rearden the identity of
her prior lover? (268-9)

Section 4: 269-73
- What does Mr. Mowen reveal about his character in conversation with the
worker (Owen Kellogg)? Are Mr. Mowen’s views coherent or contradictory? How
so? (270-3)

Section 5: 273-9
- Why does Hank presume that his invitation to speak at the National Council
of Metal Industries is a peace offering? (275) How is he wrong? Why does
Dagny think him (too) generous? (274-6)
- How and why is Hank optimistic about the future? Why does he think the
Equalization of Opportunity Bill will not exist in three years? Is he right
(at that time) to be so optimistic? (277)
- Why does Hank want Dagny to go on a vacation with him? Why does he want her
to wear the bracelet of Rearden Metal? How has his attitude changed since
their first night together? Why would anyone guessing their affair be worse
for him than for her? (278-9)

Section 6: 279-91
- How is Starnesville in worse shape than other towns Hank and Dagny have
seen? Why is it so alarming? (281, 283-6)
- Why is Dagny so excited to discover the motor? What disturbs Hank about the
discovery? What is the importance of the creation of the motor and the
significance of it being abandoned? (287-90)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Part 1: Chapter 10: Wyatt’s Torch
Section 1: 292-4
- How and why did the 20th Century Motors die such an ignoble death? (292-3)

Section 2: 294-8
- How and why does Dagny respond as she does to the claim by Mayor Bascom that
she is not Hank’s wife? How and why does Hank respond as he does? What is it
about Mayor Bascom’s explanation that resembles Hank’s own views? (296-7)

Section 3: 298-301
- How has Dagny protected Jim from the consequences of his Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog
Rule? Did she see that so clearly at the time? Why does she feel a chill on
thinking that self-interest is not Jim’s motive? What is the alternative?
(300)

Section 4: 301-9
- What kinds of shady actions must Rearden take to save his mills? Are those
actions moral, even though illegal? How and why do government controls make
criminals of honest men? (302)
- What does Lillian reveal about herself and her values in her conversation
with Rearden? How does Rearden give Lillian more credit than she deserves?
What does she deserve? What are her motives? (304-9)
- Why does Lillian think that Rearden has an obligation to make her happy? Is
that a reasonable expectation? Is it a common expectation? Should Hank oblige
her? (307)

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

If you plan to attend next Saturday but have not yet let us know, please do so
by replying to this email.  Please arrive BETWEEN 7 and 7:30.  Any earlier and
you may catch us eating dinner or making preparations.  Thanks.

WHEN:
SATURDAY, April 17, 2010 7:00-7:30 PM Start Time

TOPIC:
An Interview with Ayn Rand
Video tape of Ayn Rand being interviewed by
James McConnell at the University of Michigan in 1961

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
In February we viewed the last speech Rand made in 1981, the year before her
death.  Group members expressed the desire to see Rand when she was younger.
The earliest video recording of Rand that I could find was “An Interview with
Ayn Rand” by University of Michigan Psychology Professor James McConnell in
1961.  Rand was 56 years old.  She had published Atlas Shrugged in 1957, four
years prior.  She was still associated with the Brandens at the time of this
interview.

We will view the 30 minute interview and discuss Rand’s remarks.

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156
Use http://www.mapquest.com/ to get directions from your location.

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists@cox.net

RSVP:
Reply to this message to AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net or
Call Jackie Hazelton at 480-921-1156

BRING:
Snacks or beverage to share or a monetary donation.

WHEN:
TUESDAY, April 6, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 4
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapters 7 (Part B) - 8
Part 1: Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited (Sections 5-9)
Part 1: Chapter 8: The John Galt Line
Or:
Pages 185-252 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 178-241 in the smaller Mass Market Paperback

AUTHOR:
http://www.exploreaynrand.com/1957/
These discussion questions and podcast were prepared by Diana Hsieh for
ExploreAtlasShrugged.com for people interested in creating their own Atlas
Shrugged Reading Groups, as well as for anyone wishing to study the novel in
more depth. They may be freely used for the study and discussion of Atlas
Shrugged, provided that this paragraph remains intact in any reproduction.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The listed page numbers are for the larger edition, softcover or hardback.

Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited
Section 5: 185-92
- What is Dr. Stadler’s basic modus operandi?  What motivates him to act as he
does?  How does he view other people?  Why did he found the State Science
Institute?  (185-92)

Section 6: 192-7
- Why does Dagny choose to take on the burden of completing the Rio Norte Line
alone?  What are the basic terms of the deal she offers Jim?  Is the deal
just or not?  (193-5)

Section 7: 197-201
- Why is Francisco D’Anconia so pained by Dagny’s request for investment?  Why
does he refuse to help her?  Why does his attitude change so dramtically in
the middle of the conversation?  What is Dagny’s response to that change?
(197-201)

Section 8: 201-5
- What does Rearden reveal about his feelings for Dagny when she suggests that
he has only ever thought of her as a man?  Why does Dagny think that of him?
Why does Hank think of his feelings for Dagny as a betrayal of her?  (204-5)

Section 9: 205-216
- What is the basic moral difference between the request of Mrs. Rearden and
the request of Mr. Ward to Hank Rearden?  Why does Hank refuse the former yet
work hard to satisfy the latter? (206-213)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Part 1: Chapter 8: The John Galt Line
Section 1: 217-8
- Why does Eddie feel like a stooge for Jim Taggart?  In what way is that
feeling right?  (218)

Section 2: 219-21
- What does Dagny’s longing for “a consciousness like her own” reveal about
her romantic ideal?  Why doesn’t Francisco or Hank satisfy that longing?
(220)

Section 3: 221-7
- How does Rearden’s sale of his ore mines to Paul Larkin differ from his sale
of his coal mines to Ken Dannager?  What do these transactions reveal about
each man? (221-4)

Section 4: 227-33
- What kind of ideas and values motivate and guide the opinions of laymen and
intellectuals about Rearden Metal?  (227-9)
- What kind of game is the delegate of the Union of Locomotive Engineers
attempting to play with Dagny?  How does she block it?  (231-2)

Section 5: 233-6
- What does Rearden’s claim that he will earn enormous profits yet benefit the
public with his metal reveal about his view of the interests of producers and
consumers? (235)

Section 6: 236-9
- How is the opening of the John Galt Line a true celebration for Dagny –
unlike her debut ball as a young woman? (236-9)

Section 7: 239-242
- What does Ayn Rand reveal about her view of the proper relationship between
mind and body in the first run of the John Galt Line? (241, 243, 245-6)
- What permits Hank Rearden to express his desire for Dagny?  What is Dagny’s
motivation for the affair with Hank?  Why is their sex so violent?  (250-2)

Whole Chapter
- What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

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480-921-1156

QUESTIONS:
Jackie Hazelton
(c) 480-516-3281 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net

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