The
Rational Argumentator
Issue XIX
December 26, 2003 - February 20, 2004
An Objective Filosofy of Linguistics: Installment I:
G. Stolyarov II
January 4, 2004
G. Stolyarov II argues from reason and individualism for a scientific system of orthografy which permits no arbitrary social conventions to rule one's speech. As a first step toward the full systematization of English, Mr. Stolyarov proposes a time-saving spelling reform.
Ideas Matter: Why Civlizations Clash:
Jonathan Rick
February 4, 2004
The war on terror is primarily a war of ideas, and, in this article, Jonathan Rick exposes the essential conflict between Western civilization and the barbarians who seek to destroy it.
The Struggle for Purpose:
Marty Duggan
February 6, 2004
Reverie One: In which a direct link between man's choices and his purpose is pursued. By Marty Duggan.
Why They Fear Us:
Henry Emrich
December 26, 2003
Henry Emrich explores the question of why so many "mainstream" individuals treat Objectivism with feverish loathing. His answer: ignorance of some of the essential insights needed to live independently and well.
Historical Analysis
America Has Grounded the Wright Brothers:
Heike Berthold
January 13, 2004
Heike Berthold describes the regrettable fenomenon of America's abandonment of the cultural values that made the Wright brothers' great achievement possible.
The Mutability of Past:
G. Stolyarov II
December 27, 2003
Like the oligarchy of 1984, today's academic elite, wielding the Dewey educational method, seeks to subvert historical truth in favor of a politically correct fantasy that slanders the great discoverers, statesmen, and industrialists of past. G. Stolyarov II analyzes this phenomenon.
Remembering Karl Hess:
Gary M. Galles
February 9, 2004
Dr. Gary M. Galles presents the insights of a late-twentieth century economic thinker, author, individualist, and speech writer whose message of laissez-faire continues to accumulate relevance by the day.
Music
Study #1 in C, Op. 6:
G. Stolyarov II
January 3, 2004
This short but dynamic work by G. Stolyarov II illustrates the essential nature of a melody's directed and structured forward movement in a musical composition.
Minuet #2 (Exquisite Minuet), Op. 26:
G. Stolyarov II
January 3, 2004
This composition combines baroque elements with G. Stolyarov II's distinct, straightforward, and directed melodic style. It manages to remain ornate and unambiguous at the same time.
Reconstruction on Ground Zero:
Rodney Rawlings
February 9, 2004
Objectivist composer Rodney Rawlings presents a work that, in his estimation, exemplifies the deep melodic focus that ought to characterize the music of the future. The rhythm and chords reflect the steadiness and determination of the reconstruction effort, while the melody exhibits both hope and ornateness. MP3 Format: Right-click to save to disk.
Poetry
Take a Look in the Mirror:
Miranda Sears
January 4, 2004
A free-verse expression of an egoist's vision of self-confidence by Miranda Sears.
Politics
1984-Style Surveillance, Today:
G. Stolyarov II
February 20, 2004
A national computerized database, federal spying on private bank accounts, the legal kidnapping of children from their homes and parents, institutionalized reporting on people's private lives... this, to G. Stolyarov II, smacks of totalitarianism of the sort George Orwell had described.
An Open Letter to the People of Iraq:
C. Bradley Thompson
January 13, 2004
C. Bradley Thompson urges for Iraqis to embrace the ideals of America's founding fathers in framing a new constitution.
The Orwellian Dystopia of Business Regulation:
G. Stolyarov II
February 20, 2004
G. Stolyarov II notes frightening similarities between modern antitrust law, the minimum wage system, labor unionism, and the fictional totalitarian state described by George Orwell.
"Language is not a ‘social creation,’ nor does its use make the mind a ‘social product.’ A language is a system of concepts, and concepts are a type of cognition. Every concept, like every conclusion, has to be formed by someone, then understood by others through a rational process, if it is to be of cognitive use to them."
~ Leonard Peikoff