Lecture II

The Concept of the Science of Value

Abstract

In this second lecture, Hartman defines those elements that constitute “science.” He distinguishes science in general from particular sciences. Science, in general, is thought pattern applied to a set of objects. Science as a frame of reference ought not to be confused with content, although it often is. Hartman explains why logic and content are different, how they are often confused, and he describes the unfortunate consequences of such confusion. Step-by-step, he describes the assorted fallacies that give rise to this confusion, illustrating his points with examples from Jesus, Marx, Lavoisier, as well as numerous philosophers and scientists over the centuries. By the conclusion of this lecture, he has established the moral groundwork for a science of value, which he begins to define in Lecture Three.