VALUES FORMATION AND YOU

TRANSCENDENT VALUE -> Idealists

Unchanging and universal values
They are beyond changing times, beyond space and people
They are accepted everywhere
The values of love, care and concern for our fellow men are values for all people regardless of time and
space

Relativists
There are no universal and unchanging values
Values are dependent on time and place
The values of our ancestors may not necessarily be the right values for us

Values are Taught and Caught

Values have cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions
 Cognitive – we must understand the value we want to acquire
 Affective – they have an affective dimension; It is not enough to know what a certain value is. An
individual must feel why they prefer a certain value versus doing the opposite, which may be morally
incorrect.
 Behavioral – living by the value is the true test if an individual really considers it as a value
Value formation includes formation in the cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects
 You have to grow in knowledge and wisdom, and you must actually experience the importance of
values in your life
Value formation is a training of the intellect and will
 Intellect – distinguishes between a right and a wrong value
 Will – encourages you to act on the right value and avoid the wrong values presented by your intellect
 It is necessary to develop your formation of ideas, judgement and reasoning.
Virtuous versus vicious life and their effect on the will
 A virtuous life strengthens you to live by the right values and live a life of abundance and joy, while a
vicious life leads you to misery.
 A virtue is no other than a good habit.
Max Sheler’s hierarchy of values - Shown in our preferences and decisions (Lowest to Highest)
 Pleasure values – pleasant VS unpleasant (sensual feelings, pleasure VS pain)
 Vital values – values pertaining to the well being of the individual or the community (health, vitality,
capability, excellence)
 Spiritual values – independent of the whole sphere of the body and of the environment (beauty VS
ugliness, values of right and wrong)
 Values of the Holy – appear only in regard to objects intentionally given as “absolute objects” (belief,
adoration, bliss)
 The lowest values are those that have something to do with pleasure, while the highest are those
that pertain to the God (for those who believe in God). You live well if you do not distort the
hierarchy of values.