Values

Values are defined as deeply held beliefs about what is good, right and appropriate. Values are deep seated and remain constant over time. We accumulate our values from childhood based on teachings and observations of our parents, teachers, religious leaders and other influential powerful people  [|[1] ] Waluchow states in regards to judgments of values that it is not assessments of what we should do, but about what things or properties are **good** and have **value**. [|[2]] So how does one gain a true understanding of values? What one individual feels is valuable and what another individual feels is valuable may be two very different ideas. [|[3] ] When this is looked at further, Elizur and Sagie state that values are referred to as desirable states, objects, goals or behaviours, transcending specific situations and applied as normative standards to judge and to choose among alternative modes of behavior. [|[4] ]  Each person has their own way of measuring what items to place more value on than something else. The theory that identifies this in greater detail is the Value Theory  [|[5] ]  , which has been described as a “catch-all label” because it has roots in many theories. The history of value theory stems back thousands of years to Ancient Greek times and can be identified in the works of numerous theorists including:  [|[6] ]   including Aristotle **,** St. Thomas Aquinas and John Mills. In terms of value theory, it is often referred to in the same context with axiology which includes determining what items are considered good and the extent of just how good they are. [|[7] ] To further this, the term values shows up in numerous theories –both monistic  [|[8] ]   and pluralistic [|[9]]. John Mills states in regards to pluralistic values that the pluralistic theory of value which reviewed pleasure as only one of many things which have intrinsic or non-instrumental value. Knowledge and aesthetic experience are among many other things worthy of pursuit for their own sake. ** [|**[10**]] ** An example of the monistic theory of value which poisits one and only one thing as intrinsically valuable [|[11]] is hedonism which identifies the belief of maximizing one’s pleasures in life as being of the utmost importance. [|[12]] When it comes to the types of values, two that are often referred to include **intrinsic value**  [|[13] ]   which is explained as something being good because it leads to good things; and **instrumental value** [|[14]] which relates to values that causally lead to something that is good.
 * Values **

[|[1]] [|http:personaldevelopment.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_are_values_] [|[2]] Waluchow, W (2003). //The dimensions of ethics: An introductory to ethical theory//. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press. [|[3]] **http://www.changeminds.org/explanations/values/value_of_values.htm****** [|[4]] Elizur, D. & Sagie, A. (1999). Facets of Personal Values: A Structural Analysis of. //Applied Psychology:an international review//. //48//, 73-87. [|[5]]  http://plto.stanford.edu/entries/value-theory/ [|[6]] http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/SER/sql/download.php?key=203 [|[7]] [|http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/46184/axiology#tab=active~checked%2Citems~checked&title=axiology%20--%20Britannica%20Online%20Encyclopedia**] [|[8]] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monistic**** [|[9]] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluralistic** [|[10]] Waluchow, W (2003). //The dimensions of ethics: An introductory to ethical theory//. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press. [|[11]] Waluchow, W (2003). //The dimensions of ethics: An introductory to ethical theory//. Peterborough, Ontario: Broadview Press. [|[12]] http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hedonism [|[13]] http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/SER/sql/download.php?key=203 [|[14]] http://www.tcd.ie/Economics/SER/sql/download.php?key=203