Seven Axes of Bias

Abstract

I shall first summarize, in the form of four “general hypotheses,” the framework of assumptions underlying this methodology. Next I shall state a series of special hypotheses, each of which formulates a particular axis of bias. This material is stated Y. hypothetically in order to emphasize the heuristic point of view adopted here: I am not claiming to have discovered an ultimate truth about human nature; I am merely arguing that this way of approaching the study of theoretical behavior is useful — that it has the pragmatic value of enabling us to deal with materials that otherwise tend to elude us because of their complexity and obscurity. I distinguish between “general” and “special” hypotheses because I want to emphasize the difference between (1) the basic concept of there being a group of biases, or dispositional sets, which influence theoretical behavior and (2) the specific set of biases formulated here. Even if the particular axes introduced here are rejected, the general line of approach, i.e., the postulation of an underlying constellation of style-preferences, may nevertheless be a helpful methodological tool.