Scientism and Values.pdf - Ludwig von Mises Institute

200 Scientism and Values
soned pathways which were the great achievements of the master
minds.
Since man, even though mistaken in his views, will always
strive to apply concepts to better the lot of man, how can he avoid
the misapplication of concepts? In those areas whose concepts derive
from science, this question can be answered in part. Before
a concept is applied we should know well the internal structure
of the concept and the facts it interrelates·. The concept
should have withstood the buffetings of scholarly criticism by
virtue of its intellectual integrity. And the concept should have
been explored long enough and thoroughly enough so that we are
aware of several of its major limitations. If the concept is to be
taught to prospective teachers who will be expected to apply it,
. then the limitations should be well enough worked out so they
can be taught with efficiency and clarity. These criteria for the
application of concepts to humans are severe for persons who seem
to prefer immediate utility to understanding; yet, in the long
run, the criteria will contribute much to both utility and understanding.
NOTES
1. J. T. Bonner, Morphogenesis, An Essay on Development (Princeton:
Princeton University Press, 1952).
2. W. Braun, "Studies on Population Changes in Bacteria and Their
Relation to Some General Biological Problems," American Naturalist,
LXXXVI (1952), 355-371.
3. M. E. Breckenridge, and E. L. Vincent, Child Development, Physical
and Psychological Growth Through the School Years (3rd ed.; Philadephia:
W. B. Saunders Company, 1955).
4. G. de Beer, "The Darwin-Wallace Centenary," Endeavour, XVII (1958),
61-76.
5. B. O. Hughes, "Variability Among and Within Individuals in Relation
to Education," Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, I (1957), 167-187.
6. W. A. Ketcham, "Growth Patterns for Gifted Chidren," Merrill-Palmer
Quarterly, I (1957), 188-197.
7. E. Mechem, "Affectivity and Growth in Children," Child Development,
XIV (1943), 91-115.
8. C. V. Millard, Child Growth and Development (Boston: D. C. Heath
and Company, 1951).