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Part I, Chapter 7: The Exploiters and the Exploited

Ben Bayer, Gregory Salmieri

Presented at: The Atlas Project

Date: Oct 18, 2017

Greg Salmieri and Ben Bayer discuss the following questions for Part I, Chapter 7, of Atlas Shrugged: “The Exploiters and the Exploited.”

  • Question 1: What instances of exploitation (real or alleged) do we see in this chapter? In each case, who are the victims, which of their abilities or resources are being exploited, and by whom?
  • Question 2: In what way is Dr. Stadler’s view of life like that of the bum Dagny meets in the diner, and in what way is it different? Which other characters we encounter in this chapter have views in common with Stadler or the bum?
  • Question 3: What new do we learn in this chapter about Dagny’s, Rearden’s, and Francisco’s feelings towards one another?
  • Question 4: Who opposes Rearden Metal and why? Are there any other statements or actions in the chapter motivated by the same reason?
  • Question 5: How does Rearden deal with the passage of the Equalization of Opportunity Bill? What impact does his reaction have on other characters?
  • Question 6: What other questions or observations do you have about Part I, Chapter 7?

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