Philosophic issues, Division 24, and the future.

Since the present condition of psychology as a theoretical science is chaotic, the overwhelming demand of the future will be for a massive onslaught of sophisticated theoretical-philosophic analysis and synthesis. It is also anticipated that the interaction of philosophy and science will involve the continual naturalization of philosophy. Intractable philosophic issues that may become more tractable as a result of empirical investigation include the problems of value, epistemology, and the nature of humankind and of mental illness. Those issues that will continue to remain intractable, at least for the near future, include free will vs determinism, the mind–body problem, and the problem of induction. Specific suggestions are made concerning how psychologists can upgrade the theoretical-philosophic expertise that will be needed in the future. Recommendations for action by Division 24 include division-sponsored postdoctoral workshops and introduction of annual convention innovations such as seminars-in-the-round and distinguished contribution awards in theory construction and philosophical analysis. (51 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)