value
Quick Summary
Axiology, also known as the Theory of Value, is the philosophical study of goodness and value in its broadest sense. It expands the meaning of "value" beyond its original economic context, as used by thinkers like Adam Smith, to encompass moral, aesthetic, and even logical questions.1
Key concepts in axiology include the distinction between instrumental value (good as a means) and intrinsic value (good as an end). Different philosophical schools offer various perspectives on what constitutes intrinsic value, with some emphasizing pleasure, satisfaction, or harmonious self-realization, while others propose multiple intrinsically good things.1
A central debate in axiology concerns the relationship between fact and value. Subjectivists argue that something has value because it is desired, while objectivists contend that it is desired because it possesses inherent value. Noncognitivists, however, deny that value judgments have cognitive status, viewing them as emotive or prescriptive. The philosophy of art also explores value, distinguishing between extrinsic (art as a means to a moral good) and intrinsic (art as an end in itself) theories of art's worth.12
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social movementThe membership…a common goal and shared values.
Read More…a common goal and shared values.
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…the attainment of important, accepted values. Strain in values arises when the values themselves seem to interfere with the satisfaction of important needs of a segment of the society. This sort of strain often arises when different groups, such as immigrants, minorities, or the younger generation, develop values that conflict…
Read More…the attainment of important, accepted values. Strain in values arises when the values themselves seem to interfere with the satisfaction of important needs of a segment of the society. This sort of strain often arises when different groups, such as immigrants, minorities, or the younger generation, develop values that conflict…
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collective behaviorSocial change…or less continuous shifts of values in any society, emerging values are first given group expression in collective behavior; efforts to revitalize declining values also bring forth collective behavior. Again, the constant readjustments in the power of different population segments are implemented and resisted through collective behavior. Because it is…
Read More…or less continuous shifts of values in any society, emerging values are first given group expression in collective behavior; efforts to revitalize declining values also bring forth collective behavior. Again, the constant readjustments in the power of different population segments are implemented and resisted through collective behavior. Because it is…
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public opinionComponents of public opinion: attitudes and valuesHow many people actually form opinions on a given issue, as well as what sorts of opinions they form, depends partly on their immediate situations, partly on more-general social-environmental factors, and partly on their preexisting knowledge, attitudes, and values. Because attitudes and values play…
Read MoreHow many people actually form opinions on a given issue, as well as what sorts of opinions they form, depends partly on their immediate situations, partly on more-general social-environmental factors, and partly on their preexisting knowledge, attitudes, and values. Because attitudes and values play…
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sociologyScientific status…separate their research from personal values. Much of the dispute prevails only because the two sides argue past each other. There can be wide agreement that no human being is without personal values, that research forced to confirm a particular set of values is not good science, and that there…
Read More…separate their research from personal values. Much of the dispute prevails only because the two sides argue past each other. There can be wide agreement that no human being is without personal values, that research forced to confirm a particular set of values is not good science, and that there…
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- Samuel Bailey
…remembered for his argument that value is a relationship and implies a particular state of mind.
Read More…remembered for his argument that value is a relationship and implies a particular state of mind.
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Friedrich NietzscheNietzsche’s mature philosophy…the origin and function of values in human life. If, as he believed, life neither possesses nor lacks intrinsic value and yet is always being evaluated, then such evaluations can usefully be read as symptoms of the condition of the evaluator. He was especially interested, therefore, in a probing analysis…
Read More…the origin and function of values in human life. If, as he believed, life neither possesses nor lacks intrinsic value and yet is always being evaluated, then such evaluations can usefully be read as symptoms of the condition of the evaluator. He was especially interested, therefore, in a probing analysis…
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Max Scheler…of Values), Scheler argued that values, like the colours of the spectrum, are independent of the things to which they belong. He posited an order of five “ranks” of values, ranging from those of physical comfort to those of usefulness, life, the mind, and the “holy.” The experience of value…
Read More…of Values), Scheler argued that values, like the colours of the spectrum, are independent of the things to which they belong. He posited an order of five “ranks” of values, ranging from those of physical comfort to those of usefulness, life, the mind, and the “holy.” The experience of value…
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