bad choice of posting order and word usage. Throughout the first chapter Ms Rand qualifies several terms with the (implicit) construct. My question pertained to the construct. It use is primarily in the first several pages of chapter 1

To which terms are you referring and to which quotes from which Rand works are you referring.

Question: Ms. Rand uses the construct (implicit) frequently to qualify terms she is defining. Is this to clearly differentiate between thins that are already built in to the human capability versus those things that must be learned and applied?

Topics I would like to discuss or have participants comments. all are taken from the test.


Consciousness, as a state of awareness, is not a passive state, but an active process that consists of two essentials: differentiation and integration.
Rand, Ayn (1990-04-26). Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology: Expanded Second Edition (p. 5). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.

(to perceive a thing is to perceive that it exists)
Rand, Ayn (1990-04-26). Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology: Expanded Second Edition (pp. 5-6). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.

The ability to regard entities as units is man’s distinctive method of cognition, which other living species are unable to follow.
Rand, Ayn (1990-04-26). Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology: Expanded Second Edition (p. 6). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.

Thus the concept “unit” is a bridge between metaphysics and epistemology: units do not exist qua units, what exists are things, but units are things viewed by a consciousness in certain existing relationships.
Rand, Ayn (1990-04-26). Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology: Expanded Second Edition (p. 7). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.

Measurement is the identification of a relationship— a quantitative relationship established by means of a standard that serves as a unit. Entities (and their actions) are measured by their attributes (length, weight, velocity, etc.) and the standard of measurement is a concretely specified unit representing the appropriate attribute.
Rand, Ayn (1990-04-26). Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology: Expanded Second Edition (p. 7). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.

From the Forward:
"This series of articles is presented “by popular demand.” We have had so many requests for information on Objectivist epistemology that I decided to put on record a summary of one of its cardinal elements— the Objectivist theory of concepts. These articles may be regarded as a preview of my future book on Objectivism, and are offered here for the guidance of philosophy students."
Rand, Ayn (1990-04-26). Introduction to Objectivist Epistemology: Expanded Second Edition (p. 1). Penguin Group US. Kindle Edition.

I take from this that this is not the clear and final statement of her philosophy. It is designed to be a guide for the student philosopher to learn the basics and be ready for the study of the final philosophical statement of Objectivism.
Those of us in this discussion thread should view the material in that manner.

Not a problem. I've been clearing Ice and Snow form the car and walkways. I don't have my thoughts and questions posted yet either.

thank you, mm. I have not forgotten about this. I have my notes ready and will post my thoughts and questions later this evening when I'm back home.