Putman, A.O. / Published 2013 / Article
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Citation: Putman A.O. (2013). When worlds collide: The source of intractable value problems. In K.E. Davis, R.M. Bergner, F. Lubuguin, & W. Schwartz, (Eds.), Advances in Descriptive Psychology: Vol.10 (pp. 81-112). Ann Arbor, MI: Descriptive Psychology Press.
Abstract: People differ, much of the time, on matters ranging from the trivial to the profound. Some differences appear intractable, in that none of our known ways of resolving them work, no matter how long or hard we try. This paper uses the conceptual resources of Descriptive Psychology, including “community”, “worlds” and “ultimate satisfaction” to shed light on intractable value problems. These value problems are at core intractable problems of significance. Such problems are not the rare exception; they are inherent and pervasive. Participants in such disputes literally live in significantly different worlds. What ultimately keeps these worlds apart is what ultimately holds each one together.