Summary
Highlights
According to Raths, Harmin, and Simon, there are seven key elements of values: 1) Values are chosen freely, reflecting personal autonomy. 2) Values are chosen from alternatives, offering a range of choices. 3) Values are chosen reflectively, meaning actions are a reflection of one's chosen values. 4) Values are prized and cherished, representing deeply held principles. 5) Values are affirmed by their beholders, meaning they are recognized and accepted by others. 6) Values are acted upon, indicating their implementation in behavior. 7) Values are done repeatedly, signifying consistent practice, though they are not necessarily permanent and can evolve over time.
The lecture begins by differentiating values from ethics. Ethics pertains to the morality of actions, determining whether an action is good or bad based on cultural or societal norms. Values, on the other hand, are the underlying beliefs and principles that guide these actions. Ethics without values is deemed hollow and weak, while values without ethics are seen as paralytic, signifying that action (ethics) gives meaning to principles (values).
Values are values even when not actively practiced; they are objective in their relation to action. Unlike ethics, which requires action to exist, values are independent and do not need action to be considered valid. Values are the source or 'radix' of all human actions, implying that every action we take is based on our inherent values, shaped by culture and custom. Action serves as the concrete expression of abstract values.
Ethics, culture, religion, and beliefs all serve as carriers of values, showcasing how individuals and societies put their values into practice. Historically, the concept of 'value' originated in economics, with two main perspectives: value in use (the capacity of an object to satisfy human needs, e.g., a cell phone's utility) and value in exchange (the commodity's worth in trade, e.g., the price of gold). The philosophical study of values is known as axiology.
In philosophy, values are defined as beliefs, ideas, or goals considered true and important, acting as ideals and principles that direct, understand, and evaluate our lives. They form a person's philosophy of life and are subjective; examples include love, justice, and equality. The question of whether values are inherently moral or immoral is raised, highlighting their subjective nature and potential for misconceptions.