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.