ATLAS SUMMIT JULY LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

2016

ATLAS SUMMIT JULY 11-13 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Give us your feedback: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Atlas16. Atlas Summit Monday (7/11)

Arts Applied Objectivism Political/Cultural

9:30 to 10:30

Philosophy Break

Atlas Summit Tuesday (7/12)

Atlas Summit Wednesday (7/13)

Stephen Hicks The State of the Universities Wilshire Ballroom

Symposium: Success in Business Patrick Gentempo – Unleashing the Power of Philosophy in Business Wilshire Ballroom

Symposium: Success in Business Robert Bradley, Jr – Ayn Rand and Best Business Practices Sunset 3/4

Eduardo Marty – The Two Argentinas Sunset 5/6

Mark Michael Lewis Love as the Ultimate Trade Sunset 5/6

Raymond Raad and William Schultz Understanding and Using Your Emotions Sunset 3/4

Jay Friedenberg Back to the Future: Three Philosophies of Futurism Wilshire Ballroom

Symposium: Success in Business Kim Sawyer – Wealth is More than Money Wilshire Ballroom

Heather Wagenhals – The Man of Reason Ideal 1: Theory Sunset 3/4

10:45 to 11:45

Jennifer Grossman – Date the Atlas, Not the Shrug Sunset 5/6 10:45 – 12:00 Marsha Enright – Socratic Seminar: Aristotle on Self-Love Sunset 2 Pre-registration required

Lunch

at liberty Heather Wagenhals The Man of Reason Ideal 2: Practice Sunset 3/4

1:15 to 2:15

Eduardo Marty with José Cordeiro The Intellectual Battle for Latin America Wilshire Ballroom

Beth Haynes What Insurance Is and Isn’t: Getting Medical Costs Under Control Sunset 5/6 Break

Atlas Society at FreedomFest (7/14-7/15)

Thursday, July 14 9:00am – 10:00am Jennifer Grossman, John Allison, Bill Bonner, John Mackey Libertarian CEO Panel Celebrity Ballroom

Beth Haynes – What about the Poor? How to Win the Debate without Selling Your Soul Sunset 3/4 Michael Newberry The Romantic Manifesto and the Visual Arts Sunset 5/6 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Symposium: Success in Business Panel Session Robert Bradley, Patrick Gentempo, Heather Wagenhals, David Kelley, Kim Sawyer– Philosophical Principles for Success in Business Wilshire Ballroom

Thursday, July 14 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Jennifer Grossman – Luncheon Event: Lean in, Libertarian Style: Women in the Libertarian Movement (Panel, advanced purchase required) Celebrity 5

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Dale Halling and William R Thomas – Austrian Economics and Objectivism Panel Sunset 3/4

Friday, July 15, 1:30 – 2:20 William R Thomas Keynesianism and the Long Run Sunset 2

Late Lunch at liberty 1:00 PM Robert Bradley, Jr – From Rand to Resourceship: the Incredible Story of Expanding ‘Depletable’ Minerals Wilshire Ballroom William Schultz Mind Matters: Identifying and Challenging Neuroessentialism Sunset 3/4

2:30 to 3:30

John Laing – Trade as a Driver of Human Evolution Sunset 5/6

Friday, July 15, 2:30 – 3:30 Edward Hudgins – Technological Challenges to Freedom’s Future Melrose 3

2:30 – 3:45 Marsha Enright – Socratic Seminar: The Ethics of Emergencies Sunset 2 Pre-registration required Friday, July 15, 3:30 – 4:30 David Kelley – Equality: Good and Bad Melrose 3

Break

4:00 to 5:00

Raymond Raad Insatiable Urge to Undermine Criminal Responsibility Sunset 3/4

ARRIVAL DAY Atlas Summit

Dale Halling – Economics, Evolution, and Rand’s Meta-Ethics Sunset 5/6 Joel Wade – Expanding the Moral Circle: Culture, Stereotypes, and Individualism Wilshire Ballroom

Break 5:00 – 6:55 Registration and Reception Wilshire Foyer

Participant/Sponsored Session Wilshire Ballroom Participant/Sponsored Session Sunset 2 Participant/Sponsored Session Sunset 3/4 Participant/Sponsored Session Sunset 5/6

7:00 Dinner

Banquet David Kelley and Jennifer Grossman – Core Values of The Atlas Society: their Purpose and Context The Studio Pre-registration required

Banquet Edward Hudgins – Can a Liberty Party Emerge from the Ashes of the GOP? The Studio Pre-registration required

9:00

Common room, The Studio

Common room, The Studio

5:15 to 6:15

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ATLAS SUMMIT 2016 STAFF William R Thomas Conference Director 202-370-6880 Xavier Chavarin Asst. Conference Manager 310-579-7676 Scott McGinley Lead Conference Assistant 402-521-0550 Niels Bulskov Conference Assistant Venkateswarlu Geriti Conference Assistant Katrina Haffner Conference Assistant Daniel Kendrick Conference Assistant Jorge Emilio Lince Procel Conference Assistant

ATLAS SOCIETY STAFF Jennifer A. Grossman Sherrie Gossett Edward L. Hudgins David Kelley Vanessa Siravo William R Thomas

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Chief Executive Officer Director of Digital Director of Advocacy & Senior Scholar Founder and Chief Intellectual Officer Assistant to the CEO Director of Programs, Business Manager, & Senior Scholar

PATRONS, BENEFACTORS, ASSOCIATES, AND SPONSORS OF THE ATLAS SOCIETY AS OF JUNE 30, 2016

John Aglialoro & Joan Carter Cliff & Laurel Asness Baron Bond Frank Brooks & Gail Wood-Brooks Norma Horvitz Ethelmae Humphreys

Diana Bubb Robert Granieri Betty Johnston Diane and Robert Levy

Stephen Ditko David Kelley

PATRONS

Scott Kirkpatrick John Laing Jay & Sally Lapeyre Chris Rufer Ray Stata

BENEFACTORS

ASSOCIATES

Mary Locniskar-Kirmss Diana Lopo Marjorie Peters Robert Poole

Stephen Nahm Brooks Walker

SPONSORS Larry Abrams Dennis and Janet Austin Toby Baxendale David Beatty Lawrence Borland Philip Bowers Andrew and Susan Chasen Thomas Cirillo Wayne Clark John Davis R. Paul Drake Faith and John Farr John Fickewirth Nancy and Norman Greenberg Robert Hartford and Alice Mayer Mark Hughes David and Donna Hurowitz Karen and Gerald Jacknow

John and Suzanne Kannarr John Lindl Barbara Mace and Ken McLaughlin David Mayer Jim McWethy Randall Minnis Kelly Neil Matt Phillips Sandra Rice Gene Schallern Frederick Skelding Brian Thompson Vicki Vitense Heather Wagenhals Donn and Sharon Weinberg Wayne Whitmore Arthur Williams

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THE FRANK W. BUBB MEMORIAL FUND FOR OBJECTIVIST SCHOLARSHIP An important part of our mission at The Atlas Society is to help students expand their knowledge of Objectivism, relate the philosophy to their studies, and prepare for careers in which they will put that knowledge to use. The accessible, diverse program of the Atlas Summit is a key foundation of our student training programs. Scholarship students at the Atlas Summit are supported through the Frank W. Bubb Memorial Fund for Scholarship. The fund supports financial aid to enable students to study Objectivism and also supports scholars working to develop Objectivism. (The late Frank Bubb was the original supporter of our valuable and cited Objectivist Studies monograph series.) Contributions to the Atlas Summit scholarship fund are contributions to the Frank W. Bubb Memorial Fund. This year we awarded 15 scholarships to allow promising students the opportunity to attend. We are deeply grateful to those who have made the students’ attendance possible through contributions to the Bubb Memorial Fund. In particularly, we thank the Bubb family foundation and Diana Bubb for their support of this fund.

RECIPIENTS Fred Kobby Awuah Niels Bulskov Andrés Cusme Franco Kayla Fox Venkateswarlu Geriti Katrina Haffner Daniel Kendrick Tomasz Kołodziejczuk Sandeep Lavanam Jorge Emilio Lince Procel JuanCarlos Maldonado Scott McGinley Jonathan Mingle Fiorella Rodriguez Keila Yuwono

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ATLAS SOCIETY TRUSTEES James M. Lapeyre

Chairman and CEO, Laitram Corp.

John Aglialoro

Chairman and CEO, CYBEX International and Atlas Productions, Ltd.

Clifford Asness

Managing & Founding Principal, AQR Capital Management

Baron Bond

Executive, Foundation Group

Franklin Brooks

Managing Principal, FreemanWhite, Architects

David Kelley

Founder & Chief Intellectual Officer, The Atlas Society

ATLAS SOCIETY ADVISERS Steve Davis

Director of Advanced Projects, SpaceX

R. Paul Drake

David N. Mayer

Professor of Law and History, Capital University Law School

Alexander McCobin

Henry Smith Carhart Collegiate Professor of Space Science, University of Michigan

President, Students for Liberty

Walter Donway

Director, Special Projects, Atlas Economic Research Institute

Independent investor

Marsha Enright

Founder, Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute

Stephen Hicks

Professor of Philosophy, Rockford University

Matt Holdridge

Owner, Side Design, LLC

Tom Palmer

Robert Poole

Founder, Reason Foundation

David Ross

Professor of Mathematics, Rochester Institute of Technology

William Walsh

Founder, Heckelsketch

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CONTENTS Atlas Summit 2016 Program Schedule 1 Atlas Summit 2016 Staff, Atlas Society Staff

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2016 Summit Scholarship Fund: The Frank W. Bubb Memorial Fund

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Patrons, Benefactors, Associates, and Sponsors of the Atlas Society

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Atlas Society Trustees, Atlas Society Advisors 5 Brief Faculty Biographies 8

Jennifer Grossman and David Kelley - Dinner Banquet: The Core Values of The Atlas Society 14 Mark Michael Lewis - Love as the Ultimate Trade

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Symposium on Success in Business: Robert Bradley Jr. - Ayn Rand and Best Business Practices 17

Stephen Hicks - The State of the Universities 18 Heather Wagenhals - The Man of Reason Ideal: Idyllic or Achievable? (Part 1: Theory) 19 Jay Friedenberg - Back to the Future: Three Philosophies of Futurism

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Marsha Enright - Socratic Seminar: Aristotle on Self Love

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Eduardo Marty with José Luis Cordeiro - The Intellectual Battle for Latin America

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William Schultz - Mind Matters: Identifying and Challenging Neuroessentialism

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Jennifer Grossman - Date the Atlas, Not the Shrug: What Ayn Rand Teaches Us About Romantic Love 23 Heather Wagenhals - The Man of Reason Ideal: Idyllic or Achievable? (Part 2: Practice) 26 Beth Haynes - What Insurance Is and Isn’t: Getting Medical Costs Under Control John Laing - Trade as a Driver of Human Evolution

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Robert Bradley Jr. - From Rand to Resourceship: The Incredible Story of Expanding “Depletable” Minerals 31 Marsha Enright - Socratic Seminar: The Ethics of Emergencies

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Dale Halling - Economics, Evolution, and Rand’s Meta-Ethics

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Joel Wade - Expanding the Moral Circle: Culture, Stereotypes, and Individualism

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Raymond Raad - Insatiable Urge to Undermine Criminal Responsibility 36 Participant-Sponsored Session: Women are paid less because they are worth … less - the real solution to equality

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Participant-Sponsored Session: Benjamin Rush Institute – Engaging our Future Physicians 39 Participant-Sponsored Session 40 Participant-Sponsored Session: Behind Rand’s Qua Man Enigma: Biological Life and Death—No Basis for Moral Teleology

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Edward Hudgins - Dinner Banquet: Can a Liberty Party Emerge from the Ashes of the GOP? 42

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CONTENTS Symposium on Success in Business: Patrick Gentempo - Unleashing the Power of Philosophy in Business 44 Raymond Raad & William Schultz - Understanding and Using Your Emotions

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Symposium on Success in Business: Kim Sawyer - Wealth is More Than Money

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Michael Newberry - The Romantic Manifesto and the Visual Arts

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Eduardo Marty - The Two Argentinas 46 Beth Haynes - What About the Poor? How to Win the Debate Without Selling Your Soul 48 Symposium on Success in Business: Patrick Gentempo, Robert Bradley Jr., David Kelley, Kim Sawyer, & Heather Wagenhals Success in Business Symposium: Panel Session and Summit Closing

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Dale Halling & William R Thomas - Austrian Economics and Objectivism: Panel Session and Summit Closing 51 Atlas Society sessions in FreedomFest Jennifer A. Grossman - Libertarian CEO Panel at FreedomFest Jennifer A. Grossman - Luncheon Event: Lean in, Libertarian Style: Women in the Libertarian Movement (Panel, advanced purchase required)

Atlas Society Day at FreedomFest: William R Thomas - Keynesianism and the Long Run

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Atlas Society Day at FreedomFest: Edward Hudgins and José Luis Cordeiro - Technological Challenges to Freedom’s Future 56 Atlas Society Day at FreedomFest: David Kelley - Equality: Good and Bad

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BRIEF FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES ROBERT L. BRADLEY, JR.

Robert L. Bradley, Jr. is the CEO & Founder of the Institute for Energy Research. He is the author of seven books, most recently Edison to Enron: Energy Markets and Political Strategies, and blogs at www.masterresource.org. Bradley’s interest has grown from energy regulation to ‘sustainable development’ issues to political capitalism in theory and practice to the teaching of ‘the science of liberty.’ Rob attends the annual Atlas Summit to help him figure out “what’s next?”

JOSÉ LUIS CORDEIRO

José Cordeiro is chair of the Venezuela Node of The Millennium Project, founding faculty at Singularity University in Silicon Valley, founder of the World Future Society’s Venezuela Chapter, cofounder of the Ibero-American Transhumanist Association, and former director of the Club of Rome (Venezuela Chapter), the World Transhumanist Association (Humanity+), and the Extropy Institute. He is also invited faculty at the Institute of Developing Economies IDE – JETRO in Tokyo, Japan, and at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology in Russia. He has published more than 10 books in 5 languages and appeared in programs with CNN, Discovery Channel and the History Channel, among many other international media venues.

MARSHA ENRIGHT

Marsha Familaro Enright, M.A. Psychology, is President of The Reason, Individualism, Freedom Institute. She writes and presents on a broad range of topics, from research neuropsychology to philosophical biology to contemporary culture. She is the lead instructor of the “Great Connections” summer seminar for highschool and college students.

JAY FRIEDENBERG

Jay Friedenberg is Chair and Professor of the Psychology Department at Manhattan College. He has written numerous textbooks on topics in cognitive science. His books include Artificial Psychology: The Quest For What it Means to be Human. He is also the author of Aphorisms From A to Z: A User’s Guide to Life. His latest book (forthcoming, 2016) is titled Humanity’s Future: How Technology Will Change Us. It consists of a series of essays on future developments like singularity, mind uploading, the future of capitalism, stages of civilization, space travel, and global existential risks.

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BRIEF FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES PATRICK GENTEMPO

Dr. Patrick Gentempo is the founder and CEO of Action Potential Holdings, Inc. He is often referred to as the “PhilosopherEntrepreneur.” He is a well-known and respected star in the world of health, wellness, and business. While practicing as a chiropractor, he codeveloped innovative diagnostic technologies, received patents, and built a considerable international business of which he was the CEO for over 20 years. Leveraging his “applied philosophy” approach, he has successfully launched over a dozen companies Dr. Gentempo is passionate about the use of philosophy as a practical tool for success and achievement. His unique perspectives have captured worldwide attention. His TEDx talk, “Unleashing the Power of Philosophy,” received spirited accolades. His views have been published by Forbes and entrepreneurs and business leaders from around the world have been captivated by his highly celebrated keynote presentations and numerous interviews on popular programs. As Dr. Gentempo likes to say, “Everyone has a philosophy, the only question is whether they know it or not!”

JENNIFER ANJU GROSSMAN

Jennifer Anju Grossman, a former senior vice president at Dole Food Company, became the CEO of the Atlas Society March 1st of this year. Jennifer Grossman has spent decades helping people to live freer, healthier lives. She launched the Dole Nutrition Institute — a research and education organization — at the behest of Dole Chairman David H. Murdock. She continued this agenda as Health Editor of Laura Ingraham’s new lifestyle site, LifeZette. Previously Grossman served as Director of Education at the Cato Institute, and worked closely with the late philanthropist Theodore J. Forstmann to launch the Children’s Scholarship Fund. Having served as a speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, Grossman has written for both national and local publications.

DALE HALLING

Dale B. Halling is a patent attorney, with a BSEE, a MS in physics, and a JD. He is the author of The Source of Economic Growth and The Decline and Fall of the American Entrepreneur: How Little Known Laws and Regulations are Killing Innovation. He and his wife, Kaila Halling, are coauthors of the novels Trails of Injustice and Pendulum of Justice, August 2013. Dale B. Halling is a named inventor on nine patents.

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BRIEF FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES BETH HAYNES

Dr. Haynes obtained her MD from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and her residency training at University of Wisconsin in Madison. Dr. Haynes is currently the Executive Director of the Benjamin Rush Institute, a nonprofit educational organization. Previously in private practice with board certification in both Family Practice and Emergency Medicine, she has worked full time in health care policy for the past five years. Dr. Haynes has served as Senior Health Policy Analyst and Board Director for Docs 4 Patient Care, a physician membership organization. She is founder and board member for the Dr. Joseph Warren Institute, parent organization of Doc Squads, which trains volunteer physicians to write and speak about healthcare policy. Find out more about the Benjamin Rush Institute (https://benjaminrushinstitute.org).

STEPHEN HICKS

Stephen Hicks is Professor of Philosophy at Rockford College and executive director of the Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship there. In 2010, he won his university’s Excellence in Teaching Award. His works include “Why is Art Ugly?,” “Ayn Rand and Contemporary Business Ethics,” Nietzsche and the Nazis, and Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism and Socialism from Rousseau to Foucault. He has published in such academic journals as Review of Metaphysics and Business Ethics Quarterly, as well as general publications such as the Wall Street Journal.

EDWARD HUDGINS

Edward Hudgins is Director of Advocacy at The Atlas Society. Formerly director of regulatory studies for the Cato Institute and editor of Regulation magazine, Ed is an expert on the regulation of space and transportation, pharmaceuticals, and labor. He served as a senior economist for the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress and was both deputy director for economic policy studies and director of the Center for International Economic Growth at the Heritage Foundation. He has testified on many occasions before Congress. Ed’s opinion writing has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Houston Chronicle, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Journal of Commerce, and Aviation Week & Space Technology, among other publications. He is the editor of Freedom to Trade: Refuting the New Protectionism, Space: The Free Market Frontier and two books on postal service privatization. He is also the author of An Objectivist Secular Reader and The Republican Party’s Civil War: Will Freedom Win? (2014). Ed has appeared on NBC’s Dateline NBC, National Public Radio, PBS, Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, and Voice of America.

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BRIEF FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES Hudgins has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a master’s from American University, and a doctorate from Catholic University in political philosophy. He has taught at universities in the United States and in Germany.

DAVID KELLEY

David Kelley is the founder and Chief Intellectual Officer of The Atlas Society. After earning a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University in 1975, he joined the philosophy department of Vassar College, where he remained until 1984. He has also taught at Brandeis University as a visiting lecturer. Among his books are Unrugged Individualism: The Selfish Basis of Benevolence; The Contested Legacy of Ayn Rand; The Evidence of the Senses, a treatise on epistemology; and The Art of Reasoning, a college logic textbook. With Roger Donway, he co-authored Laissez Parler: Freedom in the Electronic Media, a critique of government regulation. He is also the author of A Life of One’s Own: Individual Rights and the Welfare State, a critique of the moral premises of the welfare state and defense of private alternatives that preserve individual autonomy, responsibility, and dignity.

JOHN LAING

John Laing is an attorney and the chairman of the Social Relations of Knowledge Institute.

MARK MICHAEL LEWIS

Mark Michael Lewis is an entrepreneur coach and relationship coach. Over the last 25+ years, he has trained 1000s of people, consulted with 100s of businesses, and coached 100s of individuals and couples to Thrive. He is the host of the Becoming An Ayn Rand Hero podcast, where he offers insights and interviews about how to use Ayn Rand’s characters to inspire us to live Thriving lives. Mark’s bachelor’s degree is in psychology. He has taught informational and motivational seminars on Ayn Rand, Capitalism, Tony Robbins, Ken Wilber, NLP, Relationships, and Postmodernism.

EDUARDO MARTY

Eduardo Marty was professor of Economic Policy at Universidad de Buenos Aires and at Universidad Francisco Marroquín of Guatemala. He was educated as an accountant at the Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina and as an economist at Grove City College, USA. He is the founder of Libertad Querida, a non-political movement to debate freedom ideas. He has produced and hosted radio and television shows and is a well-known speaker on topics related to economy, politics, and philosophy. He is the founder of Junior Achievement Argentina and the founder and President of FRI (Foundation for Intellectual Responsibility), an organization that

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BRIEF FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES promotes the understanding of and respect for the philosophy of freedom among businessmen and intellectuals.

MICHAEL NEWBERRY

Michael Newberry grew up on the beach in Southern California and started painting at 11 years old. Luck and grit have enabled him to paint every day since then. He has shown in Athens, Rome, The Hague, Manhattan, Los Angeles, Rhodes, and Santa Monica. An odd characteristic is that he has always had an inner verbal dialog on the process of painting: why does that color work so well? Is that subject worthwhile to spend hours, days, or months painting? This process and the joy of sharing knowledge have led him to lecture and write about art. To find out more visit www.MichaelNewberry.com.

RAYMOND RAAD

Raymond Raad, MD MPH, is a general and forensic psychiatrist in private practice in New York City.

KIM SAWYER

Kim Sawyer is a serial entrepreneur who has been a committed Objectivist since age 15. Kim has over 20 years of business experience. He has started businesses, led companies, and been involved in almost every aspect of a business enterprise. Today he coaches and facilitates key business people and teams to create greater wealth for their organizations and themselves. Kim owns and manages theWealthSource, an executive coaching firm. In addition, he is a professional speaker, facilitator of meetings and business retreats, and provider of specialty training in coaching and leadership skills. Kim holds a BBA in entrepreneurship from the University of Houston and an MS in organizational development from the University of Texas. He has been published and interviewed in the Houston Chronicle and other news publications, appeared on CNN Business Radio, and speaks frequently to professional and industry organizations across the country. Kim has a keen interest in spirituality, philosophy, poetry, science, and technology. He has traveled broadly and served his country in the US Army. Kim resides in Houston, Texas with his beautiful wife, awesome young son, and two cuddly pit bulls—a wonderful family that he loves deeply.

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BRIEF FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES WILLIAM SCHULTZ

William Schultz is a doctoral student studying clinical psychology at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. He has published peer-reviewed articles in academic journals such as The Journal of Humanistic Psychology and Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry. His primary research interest is philosophically informed psychopathology.

WILLIAM R THOMAS

William R Thomas is Director of Programs and CFO of The Atlas Society. He is also Lecturer in Economics at the University at Albany. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan. Thomas is the editor of Ethics at Work (2016) and The Literary Art of Ayn Rand (2005, 2nd edition 2014), and he is author of Radical for Capitalism. He is the primary contributor to the best-selling Myths About Ayn Rand. He is also the conference director of the Atlas Summit conference.

JOEL WADE

Joel F. Wade, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist, Life Coach, and speaker. He is the author of Mastering Happiness: Ten Principles for Living a More Fulfilling Life, a book that makes the burgeoning research from the field of Positive Psychology accessible and useful for anybody with a desire to live a happier, more resilient life.

HEATHER WAGENHALS

Heather Wagenhals is an adjunct professor, distinguished speaker, author/columnist and broadcast professional on brain-based financial literacy, identity theft, and fraud. People should talk to Heather about their passions as she is always interested in what drives people to achieve.

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MONDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 11th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm The Studio Jennifer Grossman and David Kelley - Dinner Banquet: The Core Values of The Atlas Society Atlas Society Founder David Kelley will review the core values that define the organization’s mission and the vital importance of those values in our society and culture today. He will also introduce CEO Jennifer Grossman to talk about the path forward.

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 9:30am - 10:30am Sunset 5/6 Mark Michael Lewis - Love as the Ultimate Trade The relationships we have with our coworkers, friends, family, and intimate romantic partners form the emotional heart of our lives. They are also the context where Ayn Rand’s philosophy is both most important and most difficult to apply. True interdependence requires the delicate and precise application of the traits of the Ayn Rand hero to the most intimate of all possible trades—love. Join relationship coach Mark Michael Lewis as he draws on 25+ years of using Ayn Rand’s work to create fun, ease, and passion in his clients’ relationships—and become an Ayn Rand Hero in your own right.

Philosophy

Ayn Rand

Metaphysics

Objective Reality

Ethics

Rational Self-Interest

Epistemology

Reason

Politics

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

Aesthetics

Romantic Realism

5 Traits of an Ayn Rand Hero REALITY

REASON

RESPONSIBILITY RESPECT

REALIZATION

WholeSumness and Love—The More...The More... I.

REALITY - Identity A. Action and Traction B. Authenticity and Illusion C. Where to Start?

II.

REASON - Identification A. Steel & Architecture & Trains–Oh My! B. Blue Cylinder Plastic C. State of the Art

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES III.

RESPONSIBILITY - Integrity A. Yes and No B. Selfishness C. To Play or not to Play?

IV.

RESPECT - Interdependence A. Trade - Game B. Boundaries C. I / YOU / US

V.

REALIZATION - Ingenuity A. Well done B. Spirals C. Vulnerability

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 9:30am - 10:30am Sunset 3/4 Symposium on Success in Business Robert Bradley Jr. - Ayn Rand and Best Business Practices Do Ayn Rand’s fictional business heroes behave in ways that characterize successful leaderentrepreneurs? Major classical-liberal thinkers have noted the challenges of commerce and the personal and organizational traits for success. From Adam Smith to Charles Koch, the management-success literature has emphasized the vice of self-deceit, the virtue of productiveness, the practice of creative destruction, and the methods of organizational leadership. Rand’s novels demonstrate her superior understanding of the first three factors. The vice of evasion was exemplified by James Taggart and elucidated by Rand’s theory of rational free will. The virtue of productiveness, embodied in Hank Rearden, was within a complete ethical framework. The phenomenon of creative destruction was explored through John Galt’s generator and Rearden Metal, as well as in Rand’s notes on revolutionary innovation. Organizational leadership was much less explored by Rand. No Rand hero manages another Rand hero. There is no unleashing of the creative potential of an underling, much less an Objectivist theory of management. Her vision of the corporation seems to be extremely hierarchical and command driven, if only by default. By contrast, Charles Koch’s most recent book, Good Profit, argues that a successful corporate manager will recognize the importance of decentralized knowledge, decision rights, proper incentives, and trialand-error progress. I.

Rand’s Heroic Businessmen

II.

The Classical Liberal Business Principles A. Adam Smith: The Perils of Self-deceit B. Samuel Smiles: Bourgeois Success C. Joseph Schumpeter: Creative Destruction D. Charles Koch: Market-based Management

III.

The Lessons of Ayn Rand’s Heroes A. What Rand Understood

1. The Evader as Failure (James Taggart) 2. The Industrialist as Producer (Hank Rearden) 3. The Entrepreneur as Inventor (John Galt) B. What Rand Missed 1. The Executive as General (Dagny Taggart) IV.

Objectivism: Business Insights and Blind Spots

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 9:30am - 10:30am Wilshire Ballroom Stephen Hicks - The State of the Universities Is the recent unrest on many campuses a symptom of a deeper illness? The heart of AngloAmerican university education has long been the liberal arts. A liberal education is one that teaches logical and critical thinking and expands the context of knowledge of the student, in addition to developing expertise in a focused area. Can liberal education survive in a post-modernist era? In this talk, Stephen Hicks will discuss the bases of the current crisis, including (1) a decline in K-12 education, (2) the increased federal- and state-level politicization and bureaucratization of higher education, and (3) a network of closely related prevailing philosophies. And he will offer a judgment call about how it will play out.

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 10:45am - 11:45am Sunset 3/4 Heather Wagenhals - The Man of Reason Ideal: Idyllic or Achievable? (Part 1: Theory) Is the “Man of Reason” ideal achievable in real life? Unlock Your Wealth Radio’s Heather Wagenhals answers that question in this two-part workshop with her special blend of brain science, Objectivism, and mind/body connection using techniques she refined in her books, workshops, and her syndicated radio program. In Part One, Heather reviews the Four Pillars of Objectivism: Freedom, Individualism, Reason, and Achievement. She explains why we are biologically designed to fail at practicing Objectivism, sharing her proven strategies for overcoming our biological shortcomings and how to live successfully with Objectivism. Learn Heather’s “Three Amigos” approach to information processing and how that helps us to short-circuit the system plus a four-step strategy to retrain our brain for effective decision-making. I.

Idyllic or Achievable? Objectivism is more than just a story A. Four Pillars of Objectivism: Freedom, Individualism, Reason, and Achievement 1. Freedom-Freedom is scary due to the fear of the unknown 2. Individualism-drive for survival is inherent-rational self-interest-communal guilt for “I am my Brother’s Keeper” 3. Reason-Man has the capacity to reason, but the brain is basically lazy and runs on autopilot (subconscious behavior) 4. Achievement-where man derives his self-esteem/his purpose -man is driven towards pleasure and away from pain, but lack of pain (also interpreted as pleasure) can lead to complacency and diminish drive to succeed B. The “Three Amigos” Approach to information processing 1. The Survival Brain-The “I-DO” Initial Decision Officer 2. Fight-freeze-Flee 3. Happens automatically 4. Towards pleasure/away from pain 5. Natural “negativity bias” 6. Operates off of prior programming-inherent and learned C. The Mammalian Brain-The Curmudgeon 1. Remembers and emotes 2. Wants to keep you safe

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES 3. Also uses “Negativity Bias” D. The Logic Brain-Logic Larry 1. Evaluation 2. Decision-making 3. Working memory 4. No natural bias but can only reason with information available from the I-DO and Curmudgeon 5. Usually works in concert with the first two 6. If the I-DO or Curmudgeon feel threatened, the biological response locks Larry in the closet E. Why is this current structure and flow important? 1. Brain’s capacity for conscious thought and working memory capacity 2. Still need to have threat response capability F. What would happen when Larry leads? 1. Analysis Paralysis 2. Circular II.

How do we become more effective at decision making with the current structure? A. Maintain physiology 1. Evaluate events with a strategy B. Make plan B’s with Logic Larry to overcome the unknowns C. Rehearse the plan to “sell it” to the I-DO and the Curmudgeon

III.

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Questions

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 10:45am - 11:45am Wilshire Ballroom Jay Friedenberg - Back to the Future: Three Philosophies of Futurism Technological change happens faster than we realize. Many of us alive today may witness advanced artificial intelligence, robots capable of performing everything a person can, and completely realistic virtual worlds. Several philosophies have emerged recently that advocate ways of dealing with the positive and negative aspects of these potential events. These are transhumanism, futurism, and cosmism. I will briefly sketch out the principles of these philosophies and compare them with Objectivist thought. I.

Technology A. What technology is B. Accelerating Change

II.

Selected Areas of Technological Advance – Costs and Benefits A. Avatars and Virtual Worlds B. Artificial intelligence and the Singularity – Will the New Atlas Shrug? C. Robotics D. Human Augmentation and Genetic Engineering

III.

Three Philosophies of the Future and Their Approach to Technology – Compare and Contrast with Objectivism A. Transhumanism 1. Humanist Roots 2. The Posthuman 3. Expanded Environments 4. An Individualist Approach 5. The Mind 6. The Self 7. Religion

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ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES B. Futurism 1. Prediction 2. Futuring methods. 3. Trend Analysis 4. Three Futurist Lessons C. Cosmism 1. Why Cosmism is Different 2. Possible Cosmist Outcomes 3. Cosmist Metaphysics 4. Cosmist Epistemology 5. Cosmist Conclusions IV.

Conclusion A. Overall Summary B. Suggested Reading/References

References Cornish, E. (2004). Futuring. The Exploration of the Future. World Future Society. Goertzel, B. (2010). A Cosmist Manifesto. Humanity + Press. More, M. & Vita-More, N. (2013). The Transhumanist Reader. Classical and Contemporary Essays on the Science, Technology, and Philosophy of the Human Future. Wiley-Blackwell.

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ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 10:45am - 11:45am Sunset 5/6 Jennifer Grossman - Date the Atlas, Not the Shrug: What Ayn Rand Teaches Us About Romantic Love Women who struggle with boundaries, self-esteem, low-standards, over-giving, and wishful thinking will find fresh, practical solutions from a surprising, even reviled source: libertarian principles and the ideas of Ayn Rand. Women traditionally shrink from Rand and libertarianism because these are viewed as “selfish” — but a less altruistic, more self-centric, more rational approach to dating is precisely what women need to date with less drama, less resentment, and less heartache. Rand’s heroines were independent, sexually liberated career women who multi-dated, and multi-married, until they landed their Hero. In this talk, Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman discusses how modern women can do the same, by leveraging the market based precepts and Objectivist philosophy of Ayn Rand.

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 10:45am - 11:45am Sunset 2 Marsha Enright - Socratic Seminar: Aristotle on Self Love Participate in a highly engaging discussion about one of Aristotle’s most fascinating topics, closely related to Objectivist thought, using specialized, evidence-based discussion principles that yield powerful results.The reading is Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, ix. 8, on “self-love.” Please familiarize yourself with the discussion principles below and be prepared to refer to them. If not registered in advance, you will likely not be admitted. Attendance is limited to ensure a productive discussion. The aim of the discussion is to deeply understand the text and its implications through collaborative reasoning. Participants will initiate the discussion with questions about the reading. At the end of the discussion, we will examine the discussion and how to improve it for the next session. Principles of Discussion for a Great Connections Seminar AKA Shared Inquiry Dialogue, or Socratic Seminar The goal of the discussion is to reason together about the material, in order to arrive at your own, independent judgment. Think together to think independently. A. Ask questions of the text and each other. B. Cite the text to give evidence for your ideas and interpretations. C. Try to make and comment on connections between the ideas in the text and what other participants say, and your life. D. Treat the other participants respectfully. E. References to material outside of the text must be cogently linked to the text and discussion at hand, and explained in general principle, comprehensible to general reasoning. References dependent on knowledge not available to every participant are not considered cogent to the discussion. F. Be concise. G. In our discussion, Reason is the only authority. This means no person is the authority on the text, but each must use logic and facts to support his or her opinions. H. Each person takes responsibility for his or her own learning and for the quality of the conversation; if you would like to change the direction of a discussion, please feel free to ask the other participants if they are okay with that; then if they are, proceed.

Suggestions from Ayn Rand, “Philosophical Detection” “You must attach clear, specific meanings to words, i.e., be able to identify their referents in reality. . . . All philosophical con games count on your using words as vague approximations.”

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ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES “You must not take a catch phrase—or any abstract statement—as if it were approximate. Take it literally . . . accept it—for a few brief moments. Tell yourself, in effect: “If I were to accept it as true, what would follow?” Taking ideas seriously means you intend to live by, to practice, any idea you accept as true. Ask yourself: would you be willing, and able to act daily and consistently on the belief?” “Extrospection of reality: What do I know and how do I know it?” “Introspection: What do I feel and why do I feel it?” “You must have a ruthlessly honest commitment to introspection—to the conceptual identification of your inner states.”

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 1:15pm - 2:15pm Sunset 3/4 Heather Wagenhals - The Man of Reason Ideal: Idyllic or Achievable? (Part 2: Practice) Is the “Man of Reason” ideal achievable in real life? Unlock Your Wealth Radio’s Heather Wagenhals answers that question in this two-part workshop with her special blend of brain science, Objectivism, and mind/body connection using techniques she refined in her books, workshops, and her syndicated radio program. In Part Two, Heather guides us on an experiential journey into ourselves to grasp and personally apply the concepts. Each participant will understand homeostasis from an experiential perspective using Heather’s techniques. Participants experience their “negativity bias”, learn how it colors the decisions they think they are rationally and reasonably making, and how to use a more mindful approach to thinking. I.

Making Objectivism Achievable A. Maintain Physiology 1. Determine where we are living a) In-time versus through time exercise 2. Understanding In-Time a) Present moment breathing exercise 3. The Power of Isa.Active connection with others exercise 4. Understanding power of present attention a) Body scan exercise 5. Identify change of state capability a) Circle of excellence exercise B. Active Planning and Entrainment 1. Know your catapults 2. How to identify the emotional and physical landmines 3. Change perceptions 4. 4 step reframe of situation 5. Event evaluation 6. 4 step strategy for behavior entrainment C. Questions

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 1:15pm - 2:15pm Wilshire Ballroom

Eduardo Marty with José Luis Cordeiro - The Intellectual Battle for Latin America For a century, Latin America has been suffering the germ of the so-called populism. A germ that under different names—Kirchner, Chávez, Maduro, Castro, Morales, Rousseff, etc.—has left countries with high potential in decadence and stagnation. The indices of quality of life and poverty in Latin America (LA) are clear demonstrations of the stagnation it has suffered in the last century. But the economic and political reality of these countries is the result of the collectivist/ mystical philosophy and the altruistic/victimistic psychology that have been taught both in family and academic circles. Eduardo Marty will argue that if we want to eradicate the populist germ and establish the principles of freedom for the long-term, we have to face a multi-front battle. Economic evidence of the benefits of freedom proved not to be enough to beat populism. To destroy it, we need to fight from moral and psychological grounds. José Cordeiro will comment.

Continued to Next Page

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 1:15pm - 2:15pm Sunset 5/6 Beth Haynes - What Insurance Is and Isn’t: Getting Medical Costs Under Control Medical inflation continues to outpace general inflation. Why this is happening has much to do with the fact that what is called Health Insurance really isn’t insurance. As Objectivists, we understand the immorality of coerced wealth redistribution, but this argument does not resonate with everyone. Being able to also argue the economic aspects of healthcare can strengthen your ability to make the case for freedom in medical care. Come learn about the nature of insurance, what it is and isn’t, why current health policy is doomed to fail—and what better alternatives exist. Outline I.

Common explanations for rising costs in healthcare

II.

What IS insurance

III.

What Isn’t Insurance – but people think it is

IV.

The high cost of paying for healthcare through “insurance”

V.

A short history of paying for medical care in the US

VI.

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Solutions to Rising Healthcare Costs

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ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Sunset 3/4 William Schultz - Mind Matters: Identifying and Challenging Neuroessentialism Within psychiatry and clinical psychology, neuroessentialism is the view that psychological disorders, such as depression, are best explained as brain disorders. For instance, a neuroessentialist perspective of depression argues that an individual experiences depression because his or her brain is structured and functioning in a particular way (e.g., a brain with a “chemical imbalance”). Neuroessentialism is increasingly prevalent in academic and popular writing. William Schultz will define neuroessentialism, discuss its rising prevalence and some reasons for its appeal, and argue that neuroessentialism is contradicted by a large body of evidence. The end result is that it can have negative psychological impacts on individuals who endorse it. I.

Objectivist Accounts of Emotion

II.

Neuroessentialism A. Defining Neuroessentialism B. Identifying Neuroessentialism’s increasing prominence

III.

Challenging Neuroessentialism A. Philosophic challenges B. Biological and Neuroscientific challenges C. The negative psychological effects of neuroessentialism

IV.

Proposing an Alternative A. Presenting a philosophically informed psychopathology contra neuroessentialism

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Sunset 5/6 John Laing - Trade as a Driver of Human Evolution Most people think of “human evolution” as being of two distinct parts: one biological and another cultural. This is a variant on the old “nature vs. nurture” debate, with culture and education dragging nasty primitive old genes up into the light. That distinction, and that theory of history, it turns out, is overwrought. Actually, the two work together, each modifying the other. Modern human genetics is a product of co-evolution, the feedback loop between nature and nurture. That feedback loop includes trade. Trade is environmental. Trade, through natural selection over at least the last 200,000 years, has changed human genetics profoundly. This now obvious insight validates the philosophies of trade, property, liberty, and markets. Jay Friedenberg will join Mr. Laing for a discussion of this perspective and the conclusion of the talk. I. Three Types of Evolution A. Biological – gene change, environmentally driven B. Cultural – conduct change, successful innovation C. Dual Inheritance – fusion of the first two, the genetic reaction to cultural innovation, also known as “co-evolution” II. Quick Examples of Co-evolution, of Culture Causing Genetic Change A. Lactose Intolerance co-evolved into Lactose Tolerance – how “dairying” caused genetic change B. Sickle Cell Anemia and immunity from malaria – how irrigation caused genetic change III. Exchange, Trade, and Markets Distinguished A. Exchange predates and leads to trade: symbiosis, sexual exchange, school/pack/clan co-operation B. Trade is the next level, individual but cooperative, idea driven, appears that only humans form markets C. Trade, as a cultural innovation, selected for intelligence and a basket of other genetic adaptations D. Trade creates knowledge - about supply, demand, value, technology, culture E. Trade selects for rational capacities - language, reason, concept formation, computation F. Trade selects for other capacities – a sense of fairness, lie detection, face recognition, and so on G. Markets exponentially leverage all of the above, cultural and genetic, as derived from trade IV. Panel discussion: implications for Objectivism

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Wilshire Ballroom Robert Bradley Jr. - From Rand to Resourceship: The Incredible Story of Expanding “Depletable” Minerals A seeming paradox of economic life is the expanding availability of mineral resources, those goods that are defined as non-reproducible in human time frames (or “ fixed” in supply). Yet with mineral after mineral, human ingenuity has increased supply faster than (recorded) human consumption. Ditto for oil, gas, and coal. Ayn Rand’s fiction and nonfiction demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the importance of energy. And in the classical liberal tradition, scholars from Julian Simon and a bevy of present writers have continued to emphasize the ability of free minds to mine the fuels of modern life Enemies of industrialization have targeted the most efficient energies and supported the least efficient ones. Yesterday’ s fears about depletion and pollution have given way to a nebulous concern about climate change from the combustion of carbon-based energies. Yet the verdict is all but in—fossil fuels are becoming more sustainable, not less, giving government one huge domain less to regulate. But expect vigorous debate on just this point in Election 2016.

I.

Energy: The Master Resource

II.

Ayn Rand and Energy A. Fiction: Atlas Shrugged B. Non-fiction: Commentary on the 1970s Energy Crisis C. The Energy Debate Today: From Depletion to “Climate Change”

III.

The Evisceration of Peak Oil (and Peak Natural Gas) A. “Hubbert’s Peak” B. Julian Simon: The Ultimate Resource C. The Statistics of Plenty (despite Obama) D. “Rand Lives” in Today’s Energy Debate: Alex Epstein

IV.

Election 2016: An Energy Referendum

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 2:30pm - 3:45pm Sunset 2 Marsha Enright - Socratic Seminar: The Ethics of Emergencies You must read Ayn Rand’s essay “The Ethics of Emergencies” (in The Virtue of Selfshness) and the discussion principles before the session and bring a copy of these with you to the session. If not registered in advance, you will likely not be admitted. Attendance is limited to ensure a productive discussion. Participate in a highly engaging discussion about one of Ayn Rand’s controversial articles, using specialized, evidence-based discussion principles that yield powerful results. Please familiarize yourself with the discussion principles below and be prepared to refer to them. The aim of the discussion is to deeply understand the text and its implications through collaborative reasoning. Participants will initiate the discussion with questions about the reading. At the end of the discussion, we will examine the discussion and how to improve it for the next session.

Principles of Discussion for a Great Connections Seminar AKA Shared Inquiry Dialogue, or Socratic Seminar The goal of the discussion is to reason together about the material, in order to arrive at your own, independent judgment. Think together to think independently. A. Ask questions of the text and each other. B. Cite the text to give evidence for your ideas and interpretations. C. Try to make and comment on connections between the ideas in the text and what other participants say, and your life. D. Treat the other participants respectfully. E. References to material outside of the text must be cogently linked to the text and discussion at hand, and explained in general principle, comprehensible to general reasoning. References dependent on knowledge not available to every participant are not considered cogent to the discussion. F. Be concise. G. In our discussion, Reason is the only authority. This means no person is the authority on the text, but each must use logic and facts to support his or her opinions. H. Each person takes responsibility for his or her own learning and for the quality of the conversation; if you would like to change the direction of a discussion, please feel free to ask the other participants if they are okay with that; then if they are, proceed. Suggestions from Ayn Rand “Philosophical Detection” “You must attach clear, specific meanings to words, i.e., be able to identify their referents in reality. . . . All philosophical con games count on your using words as vague approximations.”

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES “You must not take a catch phrase—or any abstract statement—as if it were approximate. Take it literally . . . accept it—for a few brief moments. Tell yourself, in effect: “If I were to accept it as true, what would follow?” Taking ideas seriously means you intend to live by, to practice, any idea you accept as true. Ask yourself: would you be willing, and able to act daily and consistently on the belief?” “Extrospection of reality: What do I know and how do I know it?” “Introspection: What do I feel and why do I feel it?” “You must have a ruthlessly honest commitment to introspection—to the conceptual identification of your inner states.”

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Wilshire Ballroom Joel Wade - Expanding the Moral Circle: Culture, Stereotypes, and Individualism Culture includes a collective understanding of normality, and the use of stereotypes to make sense of people we don’t know. Our western culture has evolved tremendously for the better over the past several hundred years, including dramatically less violence, more empathy and compassion, greater reason, and higher abstract reasoning intelligence (the Flynn Effect). As we continue to grow more conscientious as a cultural trend, we can, as individuals, become more conscious and accepting of what makes us each unique; expanding the moral circle to include a wider range of experience, a more complex sense of individualism, and a more compassionate sense of humanity. In this talk you’ll learn to apply the understanding of this to improve your relationships and personal happiness. I.

Our Psychopathic Ancestors A. Violence before civilization B. The tiny moral circle of our more recent ancestors C. Reading, reason, empathy, and the decline of violence

II.

The Rise of Abstract Reasoning A. The Flynn Effect B. Abstract reasoning allows for greater compassion C. The moral circle expands

III.

Alternative Lifestyles, Mental Challenges, and Deep Individualism A. Racism, sexism, and bigotry – the misuse of stereotypes B. The truth about mental processes – humanizing our struggles C. Look for the best in people and you’ll find it – including yourself D. The selfish benefits of kindness and compassion

Recommended Reading Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of our Nature: Why Violence has Declined Barbara Fredrickson, Love 2.0 Hiam Ginott, Between Parent and Child 34

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Sunset 5/6 Dale Halling - Economics, Evolution, and Rand’s Meta-Ethics A scientific, Objectivist school of economics starts with the very nature of man as does Rand’s ethics. From an evolutionary and economic point of view, the unique feature of man is that while all other organisms adapted to their environment, man adapts his environment to his needs by creating inventions. Inventions are the evolutionary equivalent of positive genetic changes and the only way to increase real per capita incomes, showing that the key resource in economics is man’s mind. The relationship between Rand’s meta-ethics, evolution, and economics will be examined. I.

What is the Source of Real per Capita Increases in Wealth? Is the Most Important Question in Economics. A. Last year Dale Halling examined this question from a New Growth point of view, this year the question is examined from a Bioeconomics point of view. B. The goal of Bioeconomics and a little of its history are examined. C. The relationship between Bioeconomics and Rand’s meta-ethics.

II.

Evolution and Economics and Rand’s Meta-Ethics have Similar Foundations A. Evolution’s basis in Entropy is explored and how genetic changes fit into this equation. B. Man’s unique nature and how it fits into evolution are explored. C. Inventions are the equivalent of genetic adaptations.

III.

What are the implications for Economics? A. Entropy and Diminishing Returns. B. Are Inventions Subject to Diminishing Returns.

IV.

Conclusions A. Standard Economics is a Social Science and Based on Technologically Stagnant Economy. B. The outline of a School of Economics Consistent with Objectivism is provided.

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 4:00pm - 5:00pm Sunset 3/4 Raymond Raad - Insatiable Urge to Undermine Criminal Responsibility Anglo-American law is based on the principle that people are, with few exceptions, capable of rational thought and of controlling their behavior. This is a principle that has troubled many psychologists over the last century, and some have tried to challenge it. The 20th century saw repeated attempts by psychoanalysts to change the criminal law. Although that project failed, we are now seeing a repeat of similar efforts by neuroscientists. Even if this effort fails, we are likely to continue to see this pattern repeat until a few foundational philosophical principles in psychology are challenged and corrected. I.

Introduction A. Basic principles of criminal law, outline of the talk

II.

History of psychoanalytic approaches to criminal law and the effects that they had A. Important literature, and the gist of the principles included B. The rise of psychoanalysis in the 20th century, role of psychoanalysis in law schools C. Criminal case example: the case of Leopold and Loeb 1. Important appeals court decisions that were influenced by psychoanalysis

III.

Troubles faced by the psychoanalytic movement A. Mismatch with legal principles B. The quick downfall in the late 1970s

IV.

History repeats itself: the birth and growth of neurolaw A. Stats on the growth of this field B. Example of court case: Brian Dugan 1. Attempts to reframe psychopathy as a brain illness that leads inevitably to particular behaviors C. Some extreme statements made by prominent neuroscientists

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ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Why does this process get repeated? A. The psychoanalytic model: basic principles B. The Neuroscience and evolutionary psychology model: basic principles C. Common problematic principles 1. Determinism 2. People are not rational animals 3. Degradation of “folk psychology” a) Experts know better b) Experimental psychology trumps legal principles 4. Excessive generalization from limited data VI.

There is hope: attempts to challenge these principles A. The legal system has proven itself resilient B. The theory of criminogenic cognitions is beginning to take hold 1. A cognitive theory that, not surprisingly, DOES have room for individual responsibility C. There is a small movement to challenge the deterministic model in psychology 1. Seligman and Baumeister

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 5:15pm - 6:15pm Wilshire Ballroom Participant-Sponsored Session These afternoon and evening sessions are for lectures, meetings of special-interest groups, performances, and other participant-run activities. Session title: Women are paid less because they are worth … less - the real solution to equality Presenter: Kate McKeon Property control is capital control, and women—still—have less of it. What you may not realize is lingering perverse incentives that guarantee male ownership are still perpetuated today even in the US, particularly as assets transfer from one generation to the next. This is not just a 3rd world problem, Kate McKeon will present examples of current, NYCbased Estate Planning situations where even attempts at fairness create an unintended but real disadvantage for the women. The next 10 years represent the largest expected generational asset transfer in history. Now is the time to remove illogical, dated social policy from our laws for property ownership and control of capital thereby reducing incentives to discriminate against women. If we want to eradicate the inequalities among men and women, we must address underlying social attitudes derived from codified legal and financial structures. Notes:

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 5:15pm - 6:15pm Sunset 3/4 Participant-Sponsored Session These afternoon and evening sessions are for lectures, meetings of special-interest groups, performances, and other participant-run activities. Session title: Benjamin Rush Institute – Engaging our Future Physicians Presenter: Beth Haynes What are our future physicians learning about health policy? Given the state of higher education today, it’s no surprise that health policy instruction at medical schools is government-centric. But what is surprising is how little formal policy instruction students receive – which presents a great opportunity to interject the voice of reason into the conversation. The Benjamin Rush Institute is doing just that. In just the fall semester of 2015, we reached 1300 medical students. Come hear how we are presenting the ideas of individual rights and limited government in a way that even liberal medial students are willing to consider these alternatives. Notes:

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 5:15pm - 6:15pm Sunset 2 Participant-Sponsored Session These afternoon and evening sessions are for lectures, meetings of special-interest groups, performances, and other participant-run activities. Session title: _____________________________________________________ Presenter: _______________________________________________________ Notes:

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 5:15pm - 6:15pm Sunset 5/6 Participant-Sponsored Session These afternoon and evening sessions are for lectures, meetings of special-interest groups, performances, and other participant-run activities. Session title: Behind Rand’s Qua Man Enigma: Biological Life and Death—No Basis for Moral Teleology Presenter: John Yokela Does “qua man” add a requirement to “man’s life” in the moral standard or not? Is happiness, life or both the purpose of ethics? Why “not survival at any price, since there’s only one price that pays for man’s survival: reason?” Have you ever wondered why Rand’s meta-ethical arguments are so uncharacteristically enigmatic? The cause will be traced to its roots in Rand’s ambitious aim to integrate happiness, egoism, and objectivity on a foundation of an essentially biological theory of human nature. Another fundamental alternative besides biological life and death will be introduced as the necessary foundation for moral teleology. Notes:

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TUESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Tuesday, July 12th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm The Studio Edward Hudgins - Dinner Banquet: Can a Liberty Party Emerge from the Ashes of the GOP? The GOP is in ruins, even if some of its candidates win general elections in 2016. Donald Trump administered the coup de grace. Of course, the Democrats have had their troubles too.

Can lovers of liberty actually rebuild the liberty party based on a philosophy of individual rights? Can they attract new blood—tech entrepreneurs, minorities, and young people? Can it offer a compelling alternative to the current corrupt crony system? Can they attract voters who are morally beaten down by the welfare state? How can they effect a new American Revolution, not just in rhetoric but in reality? I.

The Old GOP: Factions, Ideologies & Socio-Econ Culture A. Establishment Republicans B. Social Conservatives C. Libertarians D. The Hidden Ones

II.

The Degenerating Dems: Patrons and clients A. Old-style liberals B. The Hard Left C. The Powerful – Unions, Enviros D. The Dependents E. The Politically Homeless

III.

Trump’s Appeal and the GOP Collapse A. The New Nationalism B. Appeals to tradition, lashing out at impotence C. Turncoat conservatives

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IV.

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ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Sanders’ Rise and the Democrat’s Challenge A. Obama authoritarianism B. Clinton cronyism C. Occupy Bernie and feel-good fuzzyism V.

A Liberty Party and Real-World Politics A. Winning elections vs. academic seminars B. Coalition building C. The new constituencies

VI.

Three Key to Liberty Party Success A. The anti-crony vision B. The moral high ground C. The transition back to liberty

VII.

A Created Not a Congealed Party

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 9:30am - 10:30am Wilshire Ballroom Symposium on Success in Business Patrick Gentempo - Unleashing the Power of Philosophy in Business The most important word in the world, is probably the most misunderstood word in the world. What’s the word? Philosophy. What comes to mind when you hear the word, “philosophy”? Old guys in robes walking around in ancient Greece? Academics having abstract conversations that have no practical entrepreneurial use? In “Unleashing the Power of Philosophy in Business,” serial entrepreneur Dr. Patrick Gentempo will make a passionate argument about the very practical use of philosophy in business and life. In this very unique presentation, Dr. Gentempo will share: • The 5-step sequence from philosophy to prosperity. •

The branches of philosophy and how to apply them practically.

•

The “power of premise” and the importance of identifying premises in business and life.

•

His unique “Philosophy Formula” that pulls it all together.

Whether you are a business owner, C-level executive, or employee, understanding the practical use of philosophy in business can truly change your life. Don’t miss it!

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 9:30am - 10:30am Sunset 3/4 Raymond Raad & William Schultz - Understanding and Using Your Emotions Ayn Rand said that emotions proceed from one’s cognitions, but she said little more about this topic. In this talk, Raymond Raad and William Schultz will draw on the psychological literature on emotions so they can elaborate on Rand’s theory in two ways. First, they will discuss what emotions are and in what ways emotions can be caused by underlying beliefs. Then they will turn towards practical uses and discuss emotional awareness and the concept of emotional intelligence, and how they are important for being a rational person. Theory I.

Introduction to Emotions A. Distinguishing emotions from other mental phenomena B. Classification and basic groupings of emotions

II.

Objectivist Theory of Emotions

III.

The evaluations that determine one’s emotions A. Basic principles B. Dimensions 1. Novelty 2. Primary appraisal: motivation and motivational congruence 3. Secondary appraisal: power and coping application

Application IV.

Theoretical knowledge does not translate into real-life change A. Common, understandable examples B. The importance (for Objectivists especially) of recognizing the distinction

V.

Danger of emotional repression A. Examples from Branden’s “Benefits and Hazards” B. Clinical and Anecdotal example

VI.

Awareness and acceptance: steps for change A. Being aware of your emotions and body B. Acceptance: what it is and isn’t C. Moving forward: one step at a time

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 9:30am - 10:30am Sunset 5/6 Eduardo Marty - The Two Argentinas Argentina has declined from eighth place in the world for quality of life in the late nineteenth century to settle in reserved seats for undeveloped countries. Magic? Curse? Bad luck? No. Just good or bad ideas. The philosophy of the American founding fathers inspired a generation of Argentines during the nineteenth century. Alberdi and Sarmiento adopted the principles of the Anglo-American philosophy based in reason, individual rights, and the rule of law. The twentieth century gave birth to a new generation of politicians, who, encouraged by ideological leftist movements, adopted a different path: the French-German-continental philosophy. And that choice made all the difference. In this talk, Eduardo Marty will describe the history of the two Argentinas, identify why they differed, and assess the prospects for its new President, Mauricio Macri, to reverse the recent trend.

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 10:45am - 11:45am Wilshire Ballroom Symposium on Success in Business Kim Sawyer - Wealth is More Than Money Every moment of life is an investment decision. This session explores the idea (and its application) of building success in every area of life using the same principles and techniques used for building financial success. I.

A crusade against a false dichotomy: For-profit vs. Not-for-profit organizations

II.

What is wealth? A. Wealth is all about value B. Wealth is simply accumulated value C. Wealth is more than money

III.

What is the source of wealth? A. The source of wealth inside each of you B. You are in charge of the wealth you create

IV.

How do you become wealthy? A. Paradigm shift to wealth consciousness

V.

Manage your life the way you would manage your finances A. Your life is a portfolio of asset accounts B. Primary and secondary currencies C. Assets and capital assets D. Truest measure of success

VI.

360° Look@Life™ and Wealth Planning Tool

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 10:45am - 11:45am Sunset 3/4 Beth Haynes - What About the Poor? How to Win the Debate Without Selling Your Soul In order to engage those who are skeptical but potentially persuadable to free market ideas, we need to be able to adequately answer concerns about what happens to society’s most disadvantaged. This is a major concern of young people who frequently have a strong desire to help others, but who are typically economically ignorant and “think” with their hearts. In order to reach them—we need to address their concerns without compromising on our fundamental principles. Many of these arguments are also effective at reclaiming the moral high ground from proponents of single-payer and a “right” to healthcare. Come learn what tactics are working with students and are applicable to a much broader audience.

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I.

Healthcare: A Case Study in Addressing “What about the Poor?”

II.

Health as an Issue of Poverty, not Access to Medical Care

III.

The case for Economic Freedom over Universal Healthcare

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 10:45am - 11:45am Sunset 5/6 Michael Newberry - The Romantic Manifesto and the Visual Arts Ayn Rand’s Romantic Manifesto is a treasure trove of ideas dealing with the nature of art. Both complex and broad, it gives us tantalizing peeks into the artist’s world and the source of our attraction to art. For this talk, artist Michael Newberry will dive deeply into some of Rand’s ideas and show their relationship to painting and sculpture. I.

Psycho-Epistemology - Wrapping It All Up A. The David

II.

Sense of Life - James, James Bond A. Future, Fun, Fearless, and Fabulous

III.

Perception - Wonderous World A. Look, Observe, and Contemplate B. Landscapes, Still Lifes, and Portraits

IV.

Abstraction - Greatest Tool in the Artist’s Arsenal A. Rembrandt

V. VI.

Light and Color - Conceptual Leap into the Zenith Profoundly Personal Yet Universal - The Nude

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Wilshire Ballroom Symposium on Success in Business Patrick Gentempo, Robert Bradley Jr., David Kelley, Kim Sawyer, & Heather Wagenhals Success in Business Symposium: Panel Session and Summit Closing The experts from our symposium on business success meet in a panel discussion to discuss the key philosophical principles that underlie success in business. Has Robert Bradley identified the key principles? Has Patrick Gentempo or Kim Sawyer done so? Heather Wagenhals adds her insights and TAS chairman Jay Laypeyre chairs the discussion. Please note that lunch is not included in this noon session.

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WEDNESDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Wednesday, July 13th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Sunset 3/4 Dale Halling & William R Thomas - Austrian Economics and Objectivism: Panel Session and Summit Closing Prominent Objectivists have argued that Austrian Economics is compatible with Objectivism. Ludwig von Mises was Ayn Rand’s favorite economic thinker, and Objectivist economist George Reisman was trained by Mises. Despite this, Rand was very critical of a number of Austrians including F. A. Hayek and Murray Rothbard. David Kelley has written that “Hayek seems to think that if socialist planning were possible, socialism might be the morally ideal system.” What are the philosophical foundations of Austrian Economics? Is Austrian Economics good economics? Dale Halling and William R Thomas will explore these questions in this panel session. Please note that lunch is not included in this noon session. I.

Austrian economics and Objectivism: overview A. Ayn Rand and Austrianism B. Austrians compared to classical and neo-classical economists C. Subjective value: positive or normative?

II.

Carl Menger A. The founder of Austrian economics B. Subjective value in Menger

III.

Ludwig Von Mises A. Praxeology: the Austrian economics approach to everything B. Mises’s rationalist method C. Is economics an empirical science?

IV.

F. A. Hayek A. Hayek’s achievements B. Hayek on cultural evolution C. Hayek’s critique of enlightenment rationalism

V.

The benefits and hazards of Austrian economics

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THURSDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Thursday, July 14th, 9:00am - 10:00am Celebrity Ballroom Jennifer A. Grossman - Libertarian CEO Panel at FreedomFest FreedomFest features this headline panel. Hear how these Libertarian CEOs battled the government—and won. Jennifer Grossman is leading The Atlas Society to new era of popular outreach and success. She is joined by other influential CEOs: John Mackey of Whole Foods Market created a multi-million-dollar healthy living revolution, while John Allison lead BB&T bank to financial victory. Bill Bonner, founder of Agora Financial shocked friends and foes of capitalism alike when he made sweeping statements such as “Most charity is a waste of time and money.” Find out the secrets to their success at FreedomFest!

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THURSDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Thursday, July 14th, 12:00pm - 12:50pm Celebrity 5 Jennifer A. Grossman - Luncheon Event: Lean in, Libertarian Style: Women in the Libertarian Movement (Panel, advanced purchase required) This special luncheon event is part of FreedomFest. Female leaders in the libertarian movement discuss the issue and challenges facing women in the movement and related to attracting more women to the ideas of individual freedom. Attendees must register in advance at http//freedomfest.com/special-events-2/ or by calling 855850-3733. On the Panel: Jennifer Grossman, CEO of The Atlas Society Angela Keaton, Executive Director of Antiwar.com Gena Lofton, Founder of Passive Income Advisers Nena Whitfield, Executive Director of the Ladies of Liberty Alliance. More information is in the FreedomFest online program.

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FRIDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Friday, July 15th, 1:30pm - 2:20pm Sunset 2 Atlas Society Day at FreedomFest William R Thomas - Keynesianism and the Long Run To libertarians, “Keynesianism” means government intervention policies such as deficit spending. In economics, the essential premise of Keynesianism is that government policies such as changes in the money supply or changes in net government spending have real effects on the patterns of production, investment, and employment in the short run. In this talk, William Thomas will explain that this economic Keynesianism is sensible and allows us to understand the short-run effects of big economic changes. He will discuss what this implies about long-term economic performance. He will also discuss the effects of government economic intervention in the full context, and emphasize what Keynesians typically get wrong. I.

What is Keynesianism? A. John Maynard Keynes B. Postwar Keynesianism C. Keynesian vs. New Classical in mainstream economics today D. Keynesian in today’s politics E. Are Austrian economists Keynesians?

II.

Long run macroeconomics A. Long-run output depends on market efficiency and technological level B. Money and inflation; real versus nominal prices C. Government spending in the long run

III.

Short-run (Keynesian) effects due to surprise or slow adjustment A. Expectations about the future can be wrong. B. Economic shocks

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FRIDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES 1. Market-based 2. Government intervention: money 3. Government intervention: deficit spending IV.

What Keynesians get wrong A. We end up living in the long run of yesterday B. Fallacies of Keynesian analysis: the government spending “multiplier” C. Crowding out, or money saved doesn’t go under a mattress D. The fantasy of getting something for nothing

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FRIDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Friday, July 15th, 2:30pm - 3:30pm Melrose 3 Atlas Society Day at FreedomFest Edward Hudgins and and José Luis Cordeiro - Technological Challenges to Freedom’s Future Exponential changes in technology and biotech promise to a future of improving human life and unimaginable prosperity for all. But this revolution faces fierce opposition from the cultural and political left and right. Edward Hudgins will argue that we must promote the ideas and values that underlie individual liberty to open the door to the new era. The session will conclude with remarks from Jose Cordeiro, an advisor and faculty member at Singularity University, founder of the World Future Society chapter in Venezuela, and an adjunct professor at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. I.

Exponential Technology Revolution A. Transformational information & communications, biotech, genetics revolutions B. Robotics and A.I. C. Synergy between technologies

II.

Moral Foundations of Techno-Enlightenment Revolution A. Value of individual live extension and improvement B. Value of human over non-sentient world C. Value of reason, scientific approach D. Taking the soul or psyche seriously

III.

Moral Objections A. Religious and traditional B. Egalitarian and tribal C. Economic and Luddite

IV.

Job-killing Robots A. Challenge to jobs at all levels: Full unemployment? B. The Marxist fallacy C. The educational challenge

V.

A.I.: Masters of Servants? A. What will it be?

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FRIDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES B. When will it come? C. Could we turn it off? VI.

Will a transhuman be anti-human? A. True uncertainty concerning what next B. New minds for long lives C. Precautionary vs. proactionary principle

VII.

The Exponential Universe Ahead A. Tech revolution is not enough B. Need a values revolution as well C. And need liberty for individuals to create the universe ahead

VIII.

Jose Cordeiro - Commentary on Technological Challenges

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FRIDAY

ABSTRACTS AND OUTLINES Friday, July 15th, 3:30pm - 4:30pm Melrose 3 Atlas Society Day at FreedomFest David Kelley - Equality: Good and Bad Is equality a social value? Political equality—equality before the law—is an important value, required by the universal principles of individual rights. Laws should be applied uniformly to everyone. Income equality, however, is not a value; individuals should be free to pursue and to keep what they have gained through production and trade in the market. Such freedom is also incompatible with equality of opportunity as a political goal. Racial, ethnic, and sexual equality is a moral value, based on respect for individuals as individuals. It is not a value if conceived in collectivist terms, as in contemporary “identity politics.” And in any case it is not a political value that should be enforced coercively. I.

Introduction: equality and justice A. Justice and principle B. The formal principle of equality

II.

Political equality A. The principle of individual rights B. The rule of law

III.

Economic equality A. The “distribution” of wealth and income B. Distributive justice? C. Equality of opportunity D. The consequences of cronyism and welfare

IV.

Social equality A. Individualism vs. tribalism B. Identity politics

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