WHEN:
SATURDAY, March 20, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Religion vs Self-Esteem
DVD Recording of Dr. Edwin A Locke on 11/07/2007
at Hilton Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa, CA
107 minutes with Q & A

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
Religion is almost universally regarded as crucial to achieving happiness.
Even critics of religion often concede that it helps people live more
fulfilling lives.  In this talk, Dr. Edwin A Locke argues that, far from
being a means to a successful life, religion is incompatible with a basic
need of human life: self-esteem.

Dr. Locke shows that religion undermines every essential precondition of
self-esteem: metaphysically, it declares that man is evil by nature;
epistemologically, it regards faith as superior to reason; ethically, it
advocates the “virtues” of obedience, altruistic duty and humility; and
politically and economically, it declares money-making to be sinful, and
demands some form of statism.

Indeed, religion attacks the quest for self-esteem by denouncing its primary
cause: pride.  This talk argues that pride is not a sin but a virtue, the
virtue of moral ambitiousness, and it is attained by constant adherence to
reason in the pursuit of moral perfection–a state which religion makes
impossible.

BIO:
Dr. Edwin A. Locke is Dean’s Professor (Emeritus) of Motivation and Leadership
at the R.H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College
Park.

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home
480-921-1156

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, March 2, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 3
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapters 6-7 (Part A)
Part 1: Chapter 6: The Non-Commercial
Part 1: Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited (Sections 1-4)
Or:
Pages 127-185 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 124-178 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 6: The Non-Commercial
Section 1 (127-57)
- Why does Rearden find it difficult to motivate himself to play his role in
the anniversary party?  What is the nature and source of his psychological
conflict?  (127-31)
- What is the Equalization of Opportunity Bill?  What is its analog in today’s
laws?  Why do people support it?  What is Rearden’s attitude toward it — and
why? (130)
- How does Hank respond to Dagny at the anniversary party?  Why is Dagny
disappointed?  Why does he respond the way that he does?  (137-8, 149-51)
- Why is Rearden so angry at the presence of Bertram Scudder?  Why does
Lillian respond the way that she does to his anger?  Why did she invite
Scudder?  (139)
- How does Francisco explain the failure of the San Sebastian Mines to Jim?
What kind of moral principles did Francisco adhere to in building the mine?
Why was failure the only possible result?  (143)
- How does Hank Rearden reveal his view of the world in his conversation with
Francisco D’Anconia?  What is the difference in their basic outlooks?  What
ideas does Francisco want to arm Hank with?  (145-9)
- Why does Dagny want the bracelet of Readen Metal from Lillian?  Why does
Lillian trade it with her?  Why does Hank respond to that exchange the way
that he does?  (155-7)

Section 2 (157-61)
- What is Lillian’s view of sex?  Why does it torture Hank?  Is he right or
wrong to accept that torture?  (158-60)
- Why does Hank now find it impossible to have sex with Lillian?  What has
changed for him?  (160)

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

Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited
Section 1: 162-72
- What kind of virtues are required for Dagny’s work on the Rio Norte Line?
Does she deserve admiration?  Why?  (162-72)
- How are the interests of all the producers in harmony, even though
competitors?  Why do they help each other?  (163, 165-6, 168-9)
- Why do Hank and Dagny think that Colorado cannot be stopped?  Are they right
or wrong?  (171)

Section 2: 172-8
- Why does Dagny refuse to debate the question “Is Rearden Metal a lethal
product of greed?” (175)

Section 3: 178-82
- What is the fundamental difference in manner between Hank Rearden and Dr.
Potter of the State Science Institute?  How is Dr. Potter like James Taggart?
Why does Rearden refuse to sell Rearden Metal?  (178-82)

Section 4: 182-5
- Why does Mr. Mowen now refuse to work with Rearden Metal?  What is his
method of dealing with contrary public opinion? (182-3)
- Why is the State Science Institute’s statement on Rearden Metal so unjust?
If Rearden Metal is good, why can’t the statement be refuted?  (183-5)

WHERE:
Jackie & Lyman Hazelton’s Home

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, February 20, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
The Sanction of the Victims
Video Recording of the last talk Ayn Rand delivered on November 21, 1981.
Published in The Voice Of Reason, Chapter 15, Pages 149-157 and in
The Objectivist Forum, April 1982

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
In Rand’s final public talk, she exhorts a group of businessmen to stop
apologizing, and stop supporting anti-capitalist institutions:  ”It is a
moral crime to give money to support ideas with which you disagree.  It is a
moral crime to give money to support your own destroyers.”  See how the force
of her ideas captivated an audience and drew a tumultuous response.

This is Ayn Rand’s last piece of writing.  She delivered the lecture in New
Orleans on November 21, 1981, before an audience of businessmen attending
seminars sponsored by the National Committee for Monetary Reform.  She was
planning to give it again at The Ford Hall Forum in Boston.  Leonard Peikoff
delivered it there in her stead on April 25, 1982, some six weeks after her
death.

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:
TUESDAY, February 2, 2010 7:00 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AYN RAND!

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 2
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapters 4-5
Part 1: Chapter 4: The Immovable Movers
Part 1: Chapter 5: The Climax of the d’Anconias
Or:
Pages 64-126 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 67-124 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 4: Immovable Movers
Section 1 (64-69)
- Why does Dagny seek to be a passive spectator of greatness? Why is that so
important to her? (65-6)

Section 2 (70-72)
- What is the nature of Jim’s relationship with Betty Pope? What does that
reveal about his capacity to feel emotions and his concern for spiritual
values? (70-2)

Section 3 (72)
- How does Jim spin the San Sebastián nationalization to the Board? What does
that reveal about his character? (72)

Section 4 (73)
- What do Jim Taggart and Orren Boyle think of Francisco D’Anconia? What does
that reveal about them? (73)

Section 5 (73-77)
- What is the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog Rule? Why do the railroad executives vote for
it, even though they do not support it? (73-5)
- Why does Dagny not speak to Jim about the San Sebastián nationalization? Was
that a mistake? Has he accepted that he was wrong? (75-6)

Section 6 (77-80)
- Why does Dagny Taggart want Dan Conway to fight the Anti-Dog-Eat-Dog Rule?
Should he abide by it? Why is he willing to accept it? What has defeated him?
(77-80)
- What is Dagny Taggart’s view of the morality of sacrifice? What is Dan
Conway’s view? Who is right? (78)

Section 7 (81-82)
- Why does Wyatt speak as he does to Dagny? Why does she accept his beating?
(81-2)

Section 8 (82-88)
- How do Hank and Dagny transact business? How are they both allies and
antagonists? How is their approach different from that seen in the earlier
meeting between the looters in the bar? (83-5)
- How does Dagny’s response to the loading of the Rearden Metal differ from
that his family? Has she given Hank something he needed? What is that? (86)
- Why does Hank say that he and Dagny are blackguards without spiritual
values? Does Hank have spiritual values? Why does Hank’s claim worry Dagny,
yet only in part? (87-8)

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

Chapter 5: The Climax of the D’Anconias
Section 1 (89-90)
- How does Eddie Willers respond to the discovery that the San Sebastián Mines
are worthless? Why? (89-90)

Section 2 (90-126)
- How was Jim Taggart corrupt in his childhood? Could he have been a better
person? If so, why does he choose as he does? (93, 94, 95-6) What effect does
college have on Jim? (99)
- Why does Francisco say that a person’s work is “the only measure of human
value”? Does he mean that nothing else in life matters? What is he warning
Dagny against? (100)
- What is Francisco and Dagny’s first sexual encounter like? Why? How were
they innocent of any burden of sin — and why? (107-9)
- When they meet that last night in the Wayne-Faulkland Hotel, what is
Francisco’s state of mind? Why doesn’t he tell Dagny everything? (111-5)
- How did Francisco swindle Jim and his friends with the San Sebastián Mines?
How does he explain his actions to Dagny? What is her response? How was the
swindle “tearing the lid off hell and letting men see it”? (118-121, 122-6)

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, January 16, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Going Galt from
She’s Back article in Reason Magazine December 2009 pages 50-63
http://reason.com/archives/2009/11/09/ayn-rand-is-back

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DISCUSSION:
We will discuss the Reason Magazine article.  Please consider:
- In what way is Rand back?
- How are her views “radical”?
- What does it mean to “Go Galt”?
- Do you thing “Going Galt” is an effective strategy for social change?

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:
TUESDAY, January 5, 2010 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Explore Atlas Shrugged  Session 1
Podcasts and  discussion questions on Ayn Rand’s epic novel Atlas Shrugged
We will discuss the questions and listen to the podcast.

READINGS:
Atlas Shrugged, Part 1, Chapters 1-3
Part 1: Chapter 1: The Theme
Part 1: Chapter 2: The Chain
Part 1: Chapter 3: The Top and the Bottom
Or:
Pages 1-63 in the larger Hardcover or Softcover
Pages 9-67 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:
(Extra questions are marked with a dash.) The listed page numbers are for the
larger edition, softcover or hardback.

Section 1 (3-12)

What is the state of the world? What is Eddie Willers’ response to it? How is
that world similar to and different from the world of today? (3-6, 11-12)

- What is the meaning of the oak tree? Why does Eddie remember it as he walks
through the city? (5)

As children, how do Eddie and Dagny differ in their understanding of “the best
within us”? What is Eddie’s view of morality? (6)

- What is Eddie’s view of Ellis Wyatt? Why doesn’t Jim share that view? Who is
right? (9-10)

What are Jim’s methods of dealing with problems on the railroad? How is
Eddie’s approach different? How do those differences reflect each person’s
moral character? (7-11)

Section 2 (12-17)

How does Dagny’s response to the stalled train differ from that of the crew?
What qualities of character does she reveal? What does that suggest about the
state of Taggart Transcontinental — and the wider culture? (15-7)
- What is Dagny’s attitude toward her emotions? Is that right or wrong? (13,
17)

Section 3 (17-18)

What is Dagny’s emotional response on entering the Taggart terminal? What does
she feel about her work? Is that unusual? Is that good? Why or why not?
Section 4 (18-26)

Why doesn’t Jim want to buy rail from Hank Rearden, particularly not rail made
of Rearden Metal? How does he attempt to prevent Dagny from doing so? Why –
and how — does Dagny insist on doing so? Who is right — and why? (18-24)
Whole Chapter

What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Part 1, Chapter 2: The Chain

Section 1 (27-43)

Is the pouring of the first heat of Rearden Metal an accomplishment worthy of
notice and esteem? Why don’t most people notice and esteem it? How does
Rearden respond to the worker who does? How is that response unusual for
Rearden? (27-32)

When Rearden returns home after pouring his first heat of Rearden Metal, what
does he want from his family? How do they treat him? Why? How does he respond
to them? Why? (29-43)

Why does Hank Rearden offer his brother Philip the donation for Friends of
Global Progress? How does Philip respond — and why? Was offering the
donation a mistake on Hank’s part? Why? (41-3)

Does Hank have an obligation to support his family? Should he share his wealth
with them? Does he owe them affection or attention? Why or why not? (29-43)

Whole Chapter

What is the significance of the title of this chapter?

Part 1, Chapter 3: The Top and the Bottom

Section 1 (44-50)

What is the deal that James Taggart and Orren Boyle make? Why don’t they they
speak of it openly — and what moral claims do they use to conceal it?
(44-50)

Are the four men at the meeting — James Taggart, Orren Boyle, Wesley Mouch,
and Paul Larkin — defenders of capitalism? Why or why not? (44-50)
Section 2 (50-62)

What is the basic history of the San Sebastian Line? Why was Dagny opposed to
it? How did Jim convince the Board of Directors to approve it? Why did Dagny
build it?

How is Dagny now protecting Taggart Transcontinental from the San Sebastian
Line? Why does she fear its nationalization? (54-8)

What is the basic story of Nat Taggart? Why does Dagny feel reverence for him?
Why does she regret that he is an ancestor? (59-60)
Section 3 (62-63)

What information about himself, Dagny, and the railroad does Eddie reveal to
the railroad worker? (62-3)

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.

Jackie & Lyman Hazelton are hosting the 11th annual
Arizona Objectivists’ Solstice Party at their home on
Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 6 PM.  Note earlier
start time.

DINNER:
The traditional Pizza ordered out for $5 per person.
There will also be holiday sweets for dessert and
non-alcoholic beverages. If  you have special dietary needs or
would prefer an alcoholic beverage, please feel free to bring
what you require or desire, for yourself or to share.

GIFT EXCHANGE:
We will play a present guessing game to sharpen our logical
reasoning skills and get to know each other better. Please
bring a wrapped gift worth $15 or more which represents
something about yourself (but of course should be an object
that someone else might like). Before entering, place the gift
in a brown paper bag (at the door) and then deposit it in the
guest room. After dinner, we will draw numbers and begin  the
present selection and analysis. Each gift will be opened, written
down on your list and analyzed.  Once all gifts are opened, you
must finalize your guess at who gave each gift.  Starting with the
first gift,  the real giver reveals himself/herself and explains the
gift selection.   Why, for example, he gave the CD and a
potato perched on a styrofoam couch. The person who gets the
most correct gets an additional gift from Jackie.  Ayn Rand’s Collective
played this type of game at Christmas time. If you prefer not to bring
a gift, you can forego participation in the exchange but may
still assist in the guessing.

2010 TUESDAY MEETING DECISION:
We will finalize what book to use for the Tuesday meetings in 2010.
See prior email listing 6 options.

TOPIC:
Solstice Party & Gift Exchange

WHEN:
SATURDAY, December 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

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:
A $5 contribution for pizza and a wrapped gift worth $15 or more.
In previous years gifts included  books, CD’s, alcohol, DVD’s,
tools, candy, gift baskets.

NOTE: Meeting times for both Tuesday and Saturday will now be 7 PM.

WHEN:
TUESDAY, December 1, 2009 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Ten Philosophical Mistakes
by Mortimer J. Adler
Epilogue Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DESCRIPTION:
Ten Philosophical Mistakes is about basic errors in modern thought-how they
came about, their consequences, and how to avoid them.  We will review the
mistakes and wrap up the book.

We will also discuss what work to use for our Tuesday discussions next year.

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
Jim Kirk
(e) JAMTKIRK_at_aol_dot_com

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, November 21, 2009 7:00 PM

TOPIC:
Socialized Medicine

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DESCRIPTION:
On November 10th, Frontline on PBS will rebroadcast a show on how 5 capitalist
democracies around the world handle health care in their countries.
We will discuss Rand and Peikoff’s views of socialized medicine presented in
their talks in the Voice of Reason and how this relates to Obamacare.  How
should medical care be handled from an Objectivist perspective?  Please come
with your ideas.

READING:
The Voice of Reason - Essays in Objectivist Thought
Chapter 29 How Not to Fight Against  Socialized Medicine by Ayn Rand
Chapter 30 Medicine: The Death of a Profession by Leonard Peikoff

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
Jim Kirk
(e) JAMTKIRK_at_aol_dot_com

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, November 3, 2009 6:30 PM

TOPIC:
Ten Philosophical Mistakes
by Mortimer J. Adler
Chapter 10 Human Existence

LEADER:
Jackie Hazelton

DESCRIPTION:
Ten Philosophical Mistakes is about basic errors in modern thought-how they
came about, their consequences, and how to avoid them.  Each month, we will
discuss one of the ten mistakes, what it is and how it relates to
Objectivism.  Does Objectivism make the mistake or solve the mistake?
The leader summarizes the chapter and leads the discussion.

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
(w) 480-693-8707 (h) 480-921-1156
(e) AZObjectivists_at_cox_dot_net
Jim Kirk
(e) JAMTKIRK_at_aol_dot_com

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.