Theoretical Observations on Applied Behavioral Science

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Abstract
This article describes how major transformations in organizational conditions-particularly the emerging dominance of transnational relationships and decline in the centrality of the nation-state-have made traditional concepts and applications of validity insufficient for addressing important social issues. Problems have arisen not just with the choice of means to ends, but also with the choice of the ends themselves. The author argues that applied social scientists should play a greater role in shaping the future by serving not merely as technical problem solvers, but also as developers of theoretical alternatives for the future. Applied social science methodology must also change to accommodate the criteria the author considers relevant to assessing the validity of proposed alternatives: objective possibility and moral consequences.

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