I am a student and scholar of the work of the late Dr. Robert S. Hartman [1910-1973].
Hartman developed a theory of the logic of human values known as formal axiology.
“Axiology” is used as a general term in philosophy to refer to the study of values. Hartman’s formal axiology is a particular approach to the study of values. It is considered “formal” because it is based upon deductive logic. In much the same way that Galileo began to unlock the mathematical logic that governs the functioning of the physical world, Hartman began to unlock the axio-logic that governs the functioning of our social, moral, and ethical world. He made an exciting discovery that deserves more research.
In 1976, the Robert S. Hartman Institute for Formal and Applied Axiology was founded as a non-profit organization in order to preserve, refine, advance, and make better known to the world the work begun by Hartman. I have served two terms on the board of directors of the Institute in the roles of Vice President of Research and currently serve as Editor of the Journal of Formal Axiology: Theory and Practice. You can learn more about the Institute and our work here: www.hartmaninstitute.org.
My personal journey into academic research was chronicled recently as a chapter in a monograph published by Fielding Graduate University (May, 2019). The book is entitled, The Fielding Scholar Practitioner: Voices from 45 Years of Fielding Graduate University. In the editors’ words, “This is a collection of essays, memoirs and research articles that capture the unique role of Fielding Graduate University as one of the nation’s oldest graduate institutions for mid-career learners.” I am proud to have earned my PhD at Fielding and to have contributed a chapter to this monograph.
My Fielding story, Chapter 2 in the book, is entitled, “On Becoming an Axiological Hermeneut.” You can read that submission here. This essay provides a chronological account of my published research since 2010.
Most of the articles described in that essay can be accessed on my articles page. They are also available on www.academia.edu.
In my capacity as Vice President of Research for the Hartman Institute, I am leading a multi-year effort to select, edit, digitize, proofread, and publish more of Hartman’s previously unpublished works. Our first publications from this effort are: Five Lectures on Formal Axiology, The Revolution Against War, both of which I am the Editor, and Wit & Wisdom: Quotes by Robert S. Hartman, of which I am Co-Editor..
These volumes are now available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. They also can be purchased directly from the Hartman Institute at:https://www.hartmaninstitute.org/bookstore .
Three or four other planned volumes are in various stages of editing.
My next research project carries a working title of: “Change Over Time.” My aim is to investigate whether, and if so, in what ways, formal education results in long-term changes in college students’ deep-seated, often unconsciously held, thought patterns. Stay tuned. I will report on my findings here as they emerge.