Psychologic and the semantics of social intercourse

Journal/Book: Scand J Psychol. 1999; 40: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 55-58.

Abstract: Before beginning my discussion of some of Jan Smedslund's ideas and works, I should like to express the admiration and gratitude I feel for him-admiration for the radical approach and the consistency of his thinking, the steadfastness of his work and the boldness he displays in attacking traditional beliefs; gratitude because he has demonstrated that there is also psychological cognition which does not come strutting along on the stilts known as ''operational definition'' and ''experiment''. Over the years Smedslund has contructed an edifice of inter-relating statements, the statics of which are remarkably stable and flexible. Anyone prepared to enter this edifice will soon realise that any criticism he may have to make will be strictly limited and that Smedslund, should he accept it at all, will be able to rectify it by making slight alterations and additions. This edifice cannot be shaken to its foundations from within. Anyone who doesn't like it can only leave it-and possibly erect one of his own. I don't want to do that, because I find it far too attractive. And I am not going to criticise here and there either. I shall choose a third way. I shall set it up in surroundings which in my opinion are very suitable for it and in which I, as a social psychologist, am able to find my way about fairly well. I shall, accomodate Smedslund's psychologic in a socio-constructive environment. My starting-point can be Smedslund's statements, and in order to show what these statements are and the functional significance they have for him, I should like to begin by distinguishing between a number of different types of statements.

Note: Article Laucken U, Univ Oldenburg, Dept Psychol, D-2900 Oldenburg, GERMANY

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