A Bushel and A Peck

Robert S. Hartman's Axiology and Transfinite Mathematics

Abstract

In this article, I avow in no uncertain terms my commitment to the work of Robert S. Hartman. I reveal my conviction that the way in which he talks about human existence — even existence in general — in terms of value and valuation is the most important way of talking about reality that I have ever encountered. Bold words, to be sure, but perfectly reflective of my conviction. I have given a great deal of my adult life to advancing Hartman’s work. I am highly influenced by the idea of “talking about.” I believe that Hartman was searching for means to be intelligently communicative. His “theologic” is not theology; he was not trying to prove God as much as searching for intelligible communication. Several issues are then raised, from this context, about the math of Hartman’s The Structure of Value, and particularly his emphasis on transfinite math. I ask whether this math is a literal mechanism of calculable measure, or a metaphor, a way of talking about. In addition, I further question Hartman’s time- honored “hierarchy” of value that moves from the systemic, to the extrinsic, to the crowning intrinsic. I see greater importance to the systemic than is usually seen. I challenge the entire ideal of “hierarchy” — especially a linear hierarchy — instead of a mutually inclusive holography of the three dimensions of value. The article’s goal is to be neither discursive nor definitive. Instead, I simply open a conversation and make it possible to admire, affirm, and embrace Hartman’s work without having to be obsessive about the math. I hope the article humanizes Hartman a bit and shows that he was a critical thinker of the highest order struggling for expression and articulation, as opposed to a numbers wizard whose major work depends on comprehending and affirming transfinite math.