Lecture III

The Axiom of Value: What is Goodness?

Abstract

In this third lecture, Hartman describes the core of value. He writes that it is not just a theory, but a method. In this regard, it is like mathematics, and like a musical score. It is a science. What makes it a science is that it is based upon an axiom. He distinguishes science from philosophy by asserting that science is based upon axioms; philosophy is based on categories. He credits G. E. Moore with having discovered the essential axiomatic truth about value. Then, he explains how Moore never was able to complete the line of reasoning that he had started, and concludes by proposing that formal axiology, based on the axiom of “goodness” holds the key to developing a systematic science of value.