The Unity of Mind and Body

Ayn Rand rejected the dichotomy between mind and body and correlate dichotomies such as theory vs. practice, the moral vs. the practical, reason vs. emotion, and love versus lust. In Atlas Shrugged, she illustrated the unity of mind and body in speeches and thrilling scenes such as the first running of the John Galt Line. Explore how this principle shows up in Rand's treatmen of work and love, and in her exalted view of technology and industry.

Outline:

1. The principle in love and work
2. Plot implementation and characterization: Rearden's struggle, the John Galt Line, Galt the inventor vs. Stadler the theorist
3. Clearest statement of the theme: The engine room on the John Galt Line, Francisco's sex speech, Galt's speech
4. Buried riches: The sanctity of industry

DOWNLOAD:  Accompanying PowerPoint presentation.

Note: This audio program is the fifth in a six-part series, "Atlas Shrugged as a Philosophical Novel," presented at The Atlas Society's 2006 Summer Seminar. The other programs in the series are:

Part 1: Atlas Shrugged as a Philosophical Thriller
Part 2: Producers vs. Looters and Parasites
Part 3: Reason vs. Anti-Reason
Part 4: The Pursuit of Happiness
Part 6: Trade vs. Power

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