• Human values are core principles that guide our decisions and actions, reflecting what we consider important and desirable in life. 
  • For instance, a civil servant must value honesty and integrity, guiding them to always speak the truth and uphold moral principles, even if it means facing personal consequences. 
  • This value is intrinsic to the individual’s sense of right and wrong, irrespective of societal norms or pressures.
• Human values can manifest as individual beliefs that motivate people to act in certain ways. These values encompass ethical/moral values, religious values, political values, social values, and aesthetic values.

Types of Values

Relative and Absolute Values

• Relative Values: These values differ among individuals and, on a larger scale, between different cultures. For example, materialistic values can be individual and society-specific.
• Absolute Values: These can be described as philosophically absolute and independent of individual or cultural views. Examples include nonviolence, equality, and non-discrimination.

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Intrinsic and Extrinsic Values

• Intrinsic Values: These are valuable in themselves and have inner meaning that can be recognized. Examples include feeling connected to friends and family, caring for others, and being comfortable with oneself.
• Extrinsic Values: These refer to values that are not inherently valuable but are valued based on their appearance. Examples include pursuing wealth, striving for material success, and being concerned about one’s image.

Protected Values

Protected values are those that an individual is unwilling to trade off, regardless of the benefits of doing so. For instance, some people may refuse to harm another person, even if it means saving many others.

Sacred Values

Some values are considered sacred and are moral imperatives for those who believe in them. Sacred values are seldom compromised because they are perceived as duties. For example, a nation’s flag may represent a sacred value for some, while others may view it merely as a piece of cloth.

Personal and Community Values

• Personal Values: These are values prescribed by the individual, irrespective of social relationships. Examples include dignity of labour, sensitivity, cleanliness, politeness, and honesty.
• Community Values: These are values regarded by the whole community, such as caring for and respecting elders.

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Importance of Values

• Guides Human Behavior: Values act as principles and fundamental convictions that guide behaviour.
• Internal Reference for Good Living: Personal values provide an internal reference for what is good, beneficial, important, useful, beautiful, desirable, and constructive.
• Differentiates Right from Wrong: Values shape our priorities and help us decide what is right and wrong.
• Driving Force in Ethical Decision-Making: Values are universally recognized as a driving force in ethical decision-making.
• Identification of Goals: Value education helps us accurately identify our wants and goals and understand how to achieve them.