Leonard Peikoff analyzes two student papers: one on the relationship between consciousness and existence, and another on the moral basis of man’s rights. In the analyses, Peikoff demonstrates the vital importance of becoming clear on fundamental concepts in your writing, and on the hierarchical relations among those concepts. A side benefit of Peikoff’s analysis of these papers is his intriguing insights into the topics discussed: the relation of consciousness to existence and the moral foundations of individual rights.

Readings for Lesson 9 (available in the course readings):

  • “Primacy of Consciousness: Some Manifestations”
  • “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”