By Leonard Peikoff
This introductory 12-lecture course presents the essentials of Ayn Rand's philosophy and stresses their practical significance for each individual's life.
Referring to these lectures, Ayn Rand stated in print: "Dr. Peikoff's course is the only authorized presentation of the entire theoretical structure of Objectivism, i.e., the only one that I know of my own knowledge to be fully accurate."
NOTE: Ayn Rand actively participates in the question periods of each of the last eight lectures.
"This course on Objectivism was originally given in 1976, with Ayn Rand's endorsement and in her presence. But it has now been superseded by my book Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand.
My book recapitulates the 1976 course, but its formulations and logical structure are immeasurably superior. I regard my book and not this course as the definitive statement of Objectivism.
Despite this, I am making the original course available for purchase for several reasons.
Students may find it profitable to compare the course to the book, and discover for themselves the differences.
Also, the 1976 course is the only recorded statement of the entire content of Objectivism; my newer taped course on Objectivism is selective and advanced, taking for granted a knowledge of the philosophy.
Finally Ayn Rand herself took part in most of the question periods in 1976, and I do not want her recorded comments to disappear from the Objectivist scene." --Leonard Peikoff.
(MP3 download; 32 hrs., 30 min., with Q& A, 1.40 GB)
This content is also available as a free course on campus.aynrand.org: link.