Robert S. Hartman (d. 1973), Research Professor of Philosophy at the University of Tennessee and the National University of Mexico. His lifelong quest was to answer the question, "What is good?"--and to answer the question in such a way that good could be organized to help preserve and enhance the value of human life. He believed that he had found this answer in the axiom upon which he based his science of axiology: "A thing is good when it fulfills its concept."
Arthur R. Ellis, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been a clinician since 1971. He holds degrees in psychology and rehabilitation counseling from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a doctorate from Lasalle University. In recent years he has worked as a therapist in the Psychology Service of a Veterans Administration Medical Center. He studied axiology under Robert S. Hartman, who personally trained him in the use and interpretation of the "Hartman Value Profile" (HVP). Over the years he has administered and interpreted hundreds of HVPs. His research has included explorations of the value patterns of alcoholics. He has been active in the R. S. Hartman Institute for Formal and Applied Axiology, serving on the board of directors and holding the positions of executive director and president. He is a certified Master Addictions Therapist and a Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association.