Purpose

I should probably say something about what my intentions were regarding the creation of the OPAR study group. I deliberately chose to use Leonard Peikoff's book because it is a serious attempt to present Miss Rand's philosophy systematically and fairly. I also wanted to use the associated study guide by Gary Hull for OPAR because it would help to keep the discussion "on track". Use of this book and the study guide serves two useful purposes: First, I think it actually allows for people who may only be in partial agreement with Miss Rand's philosophy to participate, since the purpose isn't so much to convince them as to say: "This is what Objectivism is, now go and make up your own mind." Since we are sticking with the study guide questions, there just isn't a whole lot of room for someone to start trying to turn it into a forum for "grandstanding", making lengthy speeches about their disagreements with Objectivism, how Ayn Rand had an extra-marital affair, or any other such thing. (This isn't to say that I don't have limits on participation, but the group is small enough that I can decide, on a case-by-case basis, who is seriously interested and who isn't…moderator's prerogative so to speak.)Second, this book attempts to present the whole philosophy from start to finish, so even people with relatively little knowledge of Miss. Rand's philosophy can participate. This group should be viewed as similar to how a college course would (or should) present an introduction to Objectivism.

(Also note that I consider the official name of the group to be: Leonard Pekoff's _Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand_ Study Group in Plano, "OPAR group" for short, not "Plano Objectivists".)