Sociobiology and Concern for the Future

ABSTRACT  Despite its excesses, sociobiology can make a useful contribution to ethics, if it is recognised that it need not impinge on free-will, and if the 'naturalistic fallacy' can be avoided. This contribution is the central concept of evolutionary stability, and the implication which can be drawn from it, that concern for the future is a basic part of human nature. In stable societies, such concern is manifested as fear of change, or strict adherence to tradition, but modern ideas of progress have engendered a cavalier attitude to the more distant future, and current ethical systems cannot get to grips with duties towards future generations. It is suggested that the popularity of sociobiology and the present-day interest in conservation both reflect an aspect of human nature which has too long been neglected by moralists.     

Self‐supporting Arguments*

Deductive and inductive logic confront this skeptical challenge: we can justify any logical principle only by means of an argument but we can acquire justification by means of an argument only if we are already justified in believing some logical principle. We could solve this problem if probative arguments do not require justified belief in their corresponding conditionals. For if not, then inferential justification would not require justified belief in any logical principle. So even arguments whose corresponding conditionals are epistemically dependent upon their conclusions—epistemically self‐supporting arguments—need not be viciously circular. R.B. Braithwaite and James Van Cleve use internalist and externalist versions of this strategy in their proposed solutions to the problem of induction. Unfortunately, their arguments for self‐support are unsound and any theory of inferential justification that does not require justified belief in the corresponding conditionals of justification‐affording arguments is unacceptably arbitrary. So self‐supporting arguments cannot be justification‐creating.     

A Last Word

Oh, that I would have read Buford Stefflre's (1969) parting words as editor of this journal before I began my co-editorship of Testing the Test! Clearly knowing of what he wrote, Stefflre distilled the experience when commenting that editorship “taught me much about writers, reading, and myself-some of which I never wanted to learn” (p. 1032). Such was my journey through editorhood, and because of it I am compelled to recall certain aspects of the task both for aspiring section or journal editors and those who wish to write for such.     

Information Required for Job Hunting: 1,121 Counselors Respond

A statewide needs assessment was conducted with 1,121 counselors employed in various settings to determine information needed by job hunters.     

A Counselor's Primer on Postpartum Depression

Women are more likely than men to experience depression, and they are particularly vulnerable to depression during the postpartum period. Postpartum depression is distinguished from normal postpartum adjustment, postpartum blues, and postpartum psychosis. Biological, psychodynamic, and diathesis-stress perspectives on postpartum depression are described. Counselors are encouraged to fashion individualized treatments for postpartum depression that are matched to the stressors and vulnerabilities of their clients.     

Reflections on Bill Kell: The Legend and His Legacy

Bill Kell influenced many contemporary counseling psychologists through his work as author and as director of training at the Michigan State University Counseling Center from 1957 until his death in 1973. This article describes the legend and legacy of Bill Kell, by using excerpts from six oral histories collected from former trainees, colleagues, and family members.