DISCUSSION PROCEDURES AND DECISION-MAKING PERFORMANCE

This study sought to obtain empirical data that either directly supports or refutes the “functional” perspective advanced by recent group decision-making theorists. Specifically, the study attempted to test the general claim that the group's satisfaction of critical task-achievement functions (or requisite conditions) is a better predictor of decision-making performance than the discussion procedures it employs in arriving at a decision. A total of 48 three-member groups were randomly assigned to one of four different discussion formats. The groups were trained to use their assigned format in arriving at a decision regarding a human relations case. Two-way ANOVA revealed no significant main effect for “discussion format,” but a significant main effect for “satisfaction of requisite conditions.” No interaction effect was discovered. The findings thus offer strong support for the “functional” perspective. Other analyses indicated that the satisfaction of certain requisite conditions may be more important than others in determining group decision-making success.     

FREEDOM AND DETERMINISM: A CONTEMPORARY DISCUSSION

Abstract. The problem of freedom of the will and determinism is one of the most intriguing and difficult in the whole area of philosophy. It constüutes a paradox. If we look at ourselves, at our ability to deliberate and make moral choices, it seems obvious that we are free. On the other hand, if we look at what we believe about causality (i.e., that every event and thing must have a cause), then it appears that we do not have free wills but are determined. Thus we seem to have inconsistent beliefs. In this paper I set forth and analyze the major contemporary arguments for free will and determinism as well as for compatibilism, the position that tries to combine insights from both theories. I end with a brief conclusion regarding my assessment of the status of the arguments.     

REMARKS ON CHARLES WEI-HSUN FU, 'CONFUCIANISM, MARXISM-LENINISM AND MAO: A CRITICAL STUDY'

Many of Professor Fu's criticisms of Marxism-Leninism are based on a misunderstanding of the world view and method of dialectics. Most of the remarks that follow are efforts to clear up the position of dialectics on the issues raised.