Dim hypothesis

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

As of 2004, its discoverer, the Objectivist Leonard Peikoff, is writing a book of the same title [1].

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 priciple which is not valid, to deal with the situation.

As an example (from Dr. Peikoff himself) consider whether a man should rob a bank.

By M, one would justify robbing the bank using the existence of, for example, God. God is a misintegration of omnipotence, omnipresence and a man. As a consequence of an invalid principle, anything goes, and one acts on whim.

By D, one would consider the bank, the branch, the amount the robber is going to take, whether he will be caught at a particular point in time, and also whether he needs it more than the bank. After considering all this he may conclude it is morally good to rob the bank in this particular case.

By I, one concludes the bank to be someone's property, and he evaluates the situation by the principle of property rights. Thus, he would not rob the bank.

References

• [1] 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.