Open vs. Closed Objectivism: Stephen Hicks & Craig Biddle Debate

What is Objectivism? Is it limited to the philosophic ideas that Ayn Rand identified, developed, and integrated in her lifetime? Or is it open to revisions, additions, or subtractions—and, with such revisions, still properly called Objectivism?‍

Moreover, should Objectivists shun opportunities to discuss the philosophy with non-Objectivists—as tantamount to providing “moral sanction” to opposing views?  Or, Atlas Society Founder David Kelley has argued, should they commit to reasoned, non-dogmatic discussion and debate and adopt a policy of benevolence toward others, including fellow travelers and critics?

This will be the first time in Objectivism's history that its intellectuals have debated this critical issue, which is why we are excited to announce that Atlas Society Senior Scholar Stephen Hicks, Ph.D., and Craig Biddle, Director of Education at The Objective Standard Institute, will take the stage in a monumental event to explore Rand’s philosophy and its implications from these two differing points of view. The forum is the Ayn Rand Center Europe’s New Intellectuals Conference 2023 from April 10–14 in Belgrade, Serbia, as the duo debates Is Objectivism a “Closed System” or an “Open System”?

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