Last semester I took an independent study/readings course on formal ontology and phenomenology. I read some of the work of Edmund Husserl, Adolf Reinach, and Barry Smith. There is, I think, a lot to like about phenomenology, realist phenomenology at least.
In attempting to clarify my own objections to Husserl’s transcendental turn, the notorious transcendental reduction, I ran across this fantastic gem by Karl Schuhmann and Barry Smith entitled “Against Idealism: Johannes Daubert vs. Husserl’s Ideas I.” I had trouble understanding Husserl and, especially, formulating objections to him because of his penchant for using terms in ways completely different from how I and many others of his time were used to.
In reading Schuhmann and Smith’s paper on Daubert, I was struck by apparent parallels between his thought and that of Ayn Rand. Unfortunately, I don’t know how deep the parallel’s run because none of Daubert’s work is published in English, much less any language. The translated quotations, mainly on the subjects of metaphysics (ontology) and epistemology, cited in a few articles by Schuhmann and Smith are about all there is.
I did, however, attempt tentatively to trace some of the parallels between Rand and Daubert in these areas in my final paper for the course. Here is the result of my efforts: “Against Idealism: Rand and Daubert vs. Husserl’s Ideas I.” If Rand was familiar with Husserl or his Ideas, I am not aware of it. Daubert, however, was intimately familiar with Husserl’s work and had a chance to react to it in his own work. In my paper, I attempt to show how Ayn Rand might have objected to Husserl as well and how her work is similar to Daubert’s in this regard.
Well, I’ve been back from the IHS Social Change Workshop for a few days. I had a great time, talking to a lot of bright and friendly people interested in promoting liberty. That’s my favorite part of IHS seminars actually, talking informally to all of the other participants. The lectures and presentations by the faculty and participants are usually interesting and informative as well, but they just aren’t as interactive. I learn the most by interacting with my peers, not only from them but in having to clarify my own ideas. My paper seemmed to be well received by a number of my fellow participants, although my presentation did not go as well as I would have liked due to some disruptions. Live and learn. It was certainly a good learning experience. It was only my second presentation, so I think it was better to learn how to deal with audience members at an IHS seminar than at a professional conference or job talk.
On a different subject… My fiancee and I have finally set a wedding date. Not only have we finally set a date but we moved it up to just next week: Tuesday, July 5th. We were planning on having the civil ceremony in September when her parents were planning to visit from India but true to form the US government turned down their visa applications. Who would think my future in-laws might appear dangerous to INS!?! Since we’re just having a small civil ceremony and Saj is in the middle of studying for her general exams, we decided to quit postponing it and tie the knot. This way she can start applying for her green card long before her visa expires. Fortunately, her older rother is already in the US and will be able to attend. If the clothes he’s bringing me from his trip back to India fit well enough we might be wearing traditional Indian dress for the wedding.
