Semester 2

Semester 2: Rand in the Context of Selected Philosophers

In the second semester, fellows will deepen their understanding of several key philosophers and be introduced to Objectivism, the philosophy developed by novelist Ayn Rand. By integrating Rand with seven other thinkers and ‘thinkers,’ students are supposed to grasp how Objectivism relates to, and differs from, other thought systems. At the same time, fellows are expected to gain a clear picture of the hierarchical structure of (sound) philosophical systems by acquainting themselves with the five branches of philosophy.

Lecturers in the second semester include Prof. Dr. Eric Daniels, Craig Biddle, and Martin Hooss. To pass the course, students are expected to regularly attend class, read excerpts from the works of Rand and the other philosophers discussed in the course, and write a 2,000-word essay to prove that they have understood the fundamental tenets of Objectivism.

Sample Study Plan

II.1: Reason Rules: Rand & Aristotle

II.2: Long Live (Lady) Liberty: Rand & John Locke

II.3: Metaphysics, or Reality versus the Noumenal World: Rand contra Immanuel Kant

II.4: Epistemology, or Objectivism versus Subjectivism: Rand contra René Descartes

II.5: Ethics, or Rational Self-Interest versus Irrational Hedonism: Rand contra Friedrich Nietzsche

II.6: Politics, or Capitalism versus Collectivism: Rand contra Plato

II.7: Esthetics, or Romanticism versus Naturalism: Rand contra Sinclair Lewis

Semester 2: Influence and Persuasion in Leadership

1. The basics of influence and persuasion in leadership

Description

Understanding the difference between influence and persuasion, and why both are important for effective leadership.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the difference between influence and persuasion and why both are important for effective leadership.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own strengths and weaknesses in the areas of influence and persuasion.
3. Participants will learn strategies for improving their influence and persuasion skills in leadership.

2. The power of emotional intelligence in influence and persuasion

Description

How leaders can use emotional intelligence to effectively influence and persuade others.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the role of emotional intelligence in influence and persuasion.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own emotional intelligence strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Participants will learn strategies for using emotional intelligence to effectively influence and persuade others.

3. Building trust and credibility

Description

The key to successful influence and persuasion in leadership is the ability to build trust and credibility with those you lead.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the importance of trust and credibility in successful influence and persuasion.
2. Participants will be able to identify their own trust and credibility strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Participants will learn strategies for building trust and credibility with those they lead.

4. The art of communication

Description: 

Effective communication is essential for successful influence and persuasion in leadership. This session will focus on the importance of clear, concise, and persuasive communication.

1. Desired outcomes: 

   1. Participants will understand the importance of effective communication in influence and persuasion in leadership.
   2. Participants will learn strategies for improving their communication skills in order to be more persuasive and influential.
   3. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.

5. The power of body language

Description:

Nonverbal cues can have a big impact on how others perceive you and your message. This session will focus on the importance of body language in influence and persuasion in leadership.

Desired outcomes:

1. Participants will understand the impact of nonverbal cues on how others perceive them and their message.
2. Participants will learn strategies for using body language effectively in influence and persuasion.
3. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.

6. The role of storytelling in influence and persuasion

Description: 

Stories can be a powerful tool for persuading and influencing others. This session will focus on the role of storytelling in leadership and how to effectively use stories to persuade and influence.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand the power of storytelling in persuading and influencing others.
2. Participants will learn how to effectively use stories in leadership and persuasion.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.

7. The importance of empathy in influence and persuasion

Description:

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This session will focus on the importance of empathy in leadership and how it can help you effectively influence and persuade others.

Desired outcomes:

1. Participants will understand the role of empathy in effective influence and persuasion.
2. Participants will learn how to develop and use empathy in leadership and persuasion.

Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.

8. Overcoming resistance to influence and persuasion

Description: 

Not everyone will be easily persuaded or influenced. This session will focus on strategies for overcoming resistance and achieving successful influence and persuasion in leadership.

Desired outcomes: 

1. Participants will understand common reasons for resistance to influence and persuasion.
2. Participants will learn strategies for overcoming resistance and achieving successful influence and persuasion.
3. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and apply these strategies through exercises and group discussions.