Know Thyself; Know Thy Psychology

Abstract

Do we adopt our theories of mind on the basis of the values we have, i.e., on the basis of who we are? Do our theories of mind adequately explain our values? Do values enter into the structure and constitution of diverse psychological theories? Can Hartmanian axiology shed any light on such issues? This article explores such problems in light of the Hartmanian hierarchy of systemic, extrinsic, and intrinsic values and valuations. It shows that and how central state materialism is organized around systemic values, B. F. Skinner’s behaviorism around extrinsic values, and Abraham Maslow’s psychology around intrinsic values. It identifies Maslow’s indebtedness to Hartman. It distinguishes between practicing or actually living in and by a psychological theory (intrinsically valuing it) and merely preaching it (systemically or extrinsically valuing it). Practicing or living in a theory involves (1) truly believing it, i.e., being willing to act upon it, and (2) taking account in one’s day to day living only of the entities or properties that the theory classifies as “real.” Those who preach but do not practice the theories they espouse face serious unresolved conflicts between their thinking and their living. Can anyone really live in purely or predominantly systemic and extrinsic psychologies? The best psychologies, like the best people, are those richest in good-making properties.