Observation, objectivity, and the conflict of ideas

The first two terms of this title are clear, representing, respectively, the guiding motto of the Society, and the common thread that unites members with very diverse interests and approaches to the understanding of behavior. Then, the last part of the title is elaborated: the conflict of ideas. This aspect is important both in terms of social values, and in terms of the interests of a scientific society operating in the modern world. Within science, there are forces that weaken genuine scientific discussion, and these need at least to be explicated so that their deleterious effects can be minimized. Finally, it is suggested that although the Society has done well in facilitating oral discussion, there is room for improvement in its readiness to engage in written intellectual conflict.