System der Werttheorie

work by Ehrenfels

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July 14, 2026

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Christian von Ehrenfels's System der Werttheorie (1897–98) is a foundational work in value theory, treating value psychologically as a function of desire. This approach posits that the value individuals place on objects forms the basis of both social and individual ethics.1

Ehrenfels's work aligns with the broader field of axiology, the philosophical study of value, which expanded the meaning of "value" beyond its original economic sense. This field explores questions in economics, morality, aesthetics, and logic, unifying diverse areas of philosophical inquiry. The Austrian school of economics, for instance, emphasizes the subjective utility of a product to the consumer as a determinant of its value, contrasting with labor theories of value.23

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Christian, Freiherr von Ehrenfels
In his System der Werttheorie, 2 vol. (1897–98; “System of Value Theory”), also a pioneer work, Ehrenfels treated the concept of value psychologically, as a function of desire. The value placed by persons on various objects thus became the basis of both his social and his individual…
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In his System der Werttheorie, 2 vol. (1897–98; “System of Value Theory”), also a pioneer work, Ehrenfels treated the concept of value psychologically, as a function of desire. The value placed by persons on various objects thus became the basis of both his social and his individual…
Read More