Scientism and Values.pdf - Ludwig von Mises Institute

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Fiduciary Responsibility and the
Improbability Principle
JAMES W. WIGGINS
The behavioral sciences, in so far as they attempt to be
sciences, share with other sciences several articles of faith. Among
these are the use of relevant concepts, prediction based on probabilities,
a commitment to objectivity, avoidance of value positions,
a search for all the evidence, and a public methodology
which allows fellow scientists to test conclusions through replication.
The scientist, qua scientist, is com,mitted to the presentation
of the results of his studies regardless of his personal approval
or disapproval of his findings. "He is neutral in the sense that he
will accept without personal reservation what his evidence has
revealed." 1 He is, by definition, opposed to personal or other
censorship which seeks to control or direct his search for such
aspects of truth as his methods allow him to apprehend.
The social scientist, then, like other scientists, has a kind of
fiduciary responsibility 2 both to his fellows and to the larger society
which supports him and his search. There can be little doubt
that, in the long run, his fiduciary responsibility must be accepted
and expressed with all care, if that society is to continue to give
him its confidence and support.
The purpose of this p.aper is to call attention to the apparent
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