Reply to Gallopin's "The Baby or the Bath Water?"

Abstract

Gary Gallopin argues that Hartman’s formal model for axiology, which utilizes transfinite algebra, must by necessity always utilize this algebra. Any attempt to alter Hartman’s formal model is wrong. Such attempts will fail because the three basic types of concepts (formal, analytic, and singular), which Hartman identifies with the three basic types of values (intrinsic, extrinsic, and systemic), can only be defined by use of transfinite algebra. In this paper I will present arguments to show that Gallopin is incorrect in his thesis. Further, I will present arguments to show that Gallopin’s views are based on dogma and not a representation of good scientific thought and open inquiry.