I believe if we understand where someone is coming from it is easier to understand their questions and comments in their posts.

So, I'll volunteer that my interest in the subject of epistemology results from the fact that I work in an arena -- management consulting -- where determining what is true and why people believe it is a critical skill, and a missing link. I have used some of Rand's ideas to help clients make money. The reason I'm interested in Objectivist epistemology is because it is not just variations of academic (meaning irrelevant) argument (like "angels dancing on the head of a pin" or EF's "definitions are merely for the sake of convenience") but because it proposes a means of explicitly dealing with reality. I have read ITOE and Harriman's "The Logical Leap" several times, and also a couple of books on Aristotle and a tiny bit of Kelly's "The Art of Reasoning" but that's about it.

So, my question to others following this series of posts is: What is your background, level of interest in this topic, and what you hope to do with what you learn?

mjweb

I propose we take the book chapter by chapter. Read the chapter, noting any questions you have and bringing them up on Monday.
A second thing. If using the posts does not facilitate the proper discussion we could use Skype or some such multi caller link to get at least open easy verbal conversation.
What shay you gentle beings?

I think that meeting here would be good. It will let others view or discussions and join in if they like.

I have just started reading the text and have not gotten to far into it yet. I propose we start posting on Monday 3 Feb.

I checked the Ayn Rand Institute. The ARI does not offer a specific class in epistemology or this book. The ARC sells the book but the subject material is outside of their domain of interest, which is politics.

Ayn Rand considered this her most important non-fiction work. I have three copies, one severely marked up. The little book is dense; and I would appreciate discussing it with others who understand Objectivism.

What format do you suggest for an online interaction? We could start here. You might consider one of the message board formats. Objectivist Living or Objectivism Online might make a specific area for this, allowing separate discussions for a variety of topics (say by chapter, but also by concept), given that you can demonstrate an actual, active roster of participants. I certainly do recommend that if you want to start this, just start here and now. If an interest exists, the discussion will take on a life of its own.

I would like to join you in this. I did not have a copy of the book. I ordered it this evening. Please, feel free to start. I will do my best to catch up. Keeping up with you will be a whole other matter.
Thank you.