DIM Hypothesis

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The DIM Hypothesis is a proposed explanation for the three fundamental ways the mind functions in concept formation.

As of 2004, its inventor, the Objectivist Leonard Peikoff, is writing a book of the same title.

DIM is an acronym for Dis-integration, Integration and Mis-integration. There are two types of D and M: D1 and D2, M1 and M2 respectively. The distinction between 2 and 1 is whether one uses the method as a matter of principle, or not, respectively.

Given a concrete situation,

• integration is when one applies a principle which is valid, to deal with the situation.
• dis-integration, or pragmatism, is when one takes the issue apart in order to deal with it in a particular case detached from wider abstractions or principles.
• mis-integration is when one uses a principle which is not valid, to deal with the situation.

[edit] External Links

• Leonard Peikoff, The One in the Many: How to Create It and Why. An introduction to the DIM-Hypothesis. Available for free at http://www.peikoff.com/fordhall.htm.

• The whole tape series of 15 lectures are now available for free, via RealMedia and Windows Player format, to registered users at http://www.aynrand.com. Registration is free.

• Original 2004 DIM Hypothesis lectures: http://www.objectivistconferences.com/dim2004