ABSTRACT

Decision researchers often seem perplexed when they observe sizable and consistent disagreements between subjects. This is particularly true when the subjects are experts. As shown by the following quotations, however, disagreements have been viewed historically as necessary:

"By ditferent methods different men excel."

(Churchill, 1764)

"The history of scholarship is a record of disagreements."

(Hughes, 1936)

"The tough-minded . . . respect differences."

(Benedict, 1940)