In this episode of Open College, Dr. Stephen Hicks tackles one of the most defining questions inside Objectivism: Is Ayn Rand’s philosophy an open system or a closed one?
Drawing from his 2023 debate in Belgrade, Hicks shows why philosophy must operate as a science of discovery rooted in evidence, method, and independent judgment rather than a fixed doctrine. He separates Rand the artist (whose fiction is untouchable) from Rand the scientist (whose philosophical system remains open to refinement), and explains how to think about completeness, correctness, and the role of benevolence in disagreement.
Topics Covered:
• Objectivism as a scientific discipline
• Rand’s distinction between art and philosophy
• Completeness vs. correctness in philosophical systems
• How to approach disagreements with Rand or other thinkers
• Avoiding dogma and intellectual “elites”
• Why young Objectivists should ignore old movement battles
• Reality and reason as the only true authorities
Listen, learn, and keep thinking independently.
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In this episode of Open College, Dr. Stephen Hicks tackles one of the most defining questions inside Objectivism: Is Ayn Rand’s philosophy an open system or a closed one?
Drawing from his 2023 debate in Belgrade, Hicks shows why philosophy must operate as a science of discovery rooted in evidence, method, and independent judgment rather than a fixed doctrine. He separates Rand the artist (whose fiction is untouchable) from Rand the scientist (whose philosophical system remains open to refinement), and explains how to think about completeness, correctness, and the role of benevolence in disagreement.
Topics Covered:
• Objectivism as a scientific discipline
• Rand’s distinction between art and philosophy
• Completeness vs. correctness in philosophical systems
• How to approach disagreements with Rand or other thinkers
• Avoiding dogma and intellectual “elites”
• Why young Objectivists should ignore old movement battles
• Reality and reason as the only true authorities
Listen, learn, and keep thinking independently.
Stephen R.C. Hicks explores whether religion is useful by shifting focus from whether it is true to why it persists despite debates over its truth. He presents tough questions for both believers and non-believers, challenging the origins of belief and the consequences of disbelief. Through historical and philosophical reflection—highlighting figures like Hume, Kant, and Kierkegaard—he concludes that major thinkers agreed religious arguments fail rationally. Yet religion endures, suggesting its power lies not in truth but in its psychological, social, or pragmatic functions. The real question becomes: What does religion do for people, and why does that matter?
Open College Podcast
In this episode of Open College, Dr. Stephen Hicks tackles one of the most defining questions inside Objectivism: Is Ayn Rand’s philosophy an open system or a closed one?
Drawing from his 2023 debate in Belgrade, Hicks shows why philosophy must operate as a science of discovery rooted in evidence, method, and independent judgment rather than a fixed doctrine. He separates Rand the artist (whose fiction is untouchable) from Rand the scientist (whose philosophical system remains open to refinement), and explains how to think about completeness, correctness, and the role of benevolence in disagreement.
Topics Covered:
• Objectivism as a scientific discipline
• Rand’s distinction between art and philosophy
• Completeness vs. correctness in philosophical systems
• How to approach disagreements with Rand or other thinkers
• Avoiding dogma and intellectual “elites”
• Why young Objectivists should ignore old movement battles
• Reality and reason as the only true authorities
Listen, learn, and keep thinking independently.
