Education for Justice (E4J) Integrity and Ethics Module 2: Ethics and Universal Values
Universal Values Introduction
Universal Values What is a universal value? What is a value? What is it to say that a value is universal? How do values relate to ethics and morality? Are there any universal values?
Universal Values Value The worth we ascribe to a thing This item is valuable Value vs price (economic terms) A standard of behaviour You should act in accordance with this value
Universal Values Valuing things is based on human needs Valuing behaviours arises from things we value But more than one behaviour can attain an end For example, I value peace as a state of being Behaviour 1: I will not harm others Behaviour 2: I will build up my defences so as not to be harmed Which will achieve what I value better?
What does Universal mean? Universal Values What does Universal mean? Universal = all human beings Universal = all cultures Universal = all religions Universal = all legal and political systems
Determining Universal Values Human being relies on psychology Culture relies on anthropology Religions relies on theology and philosophy Legal and political systems relies on political science and legal scholars
Universal values as things Peace Justice Equality Freedom Beauty Joy
Universal values as behaviours Do not harm others Do not cheat others Do not lie to others Do not enslave others
Universal Values Ethics – the philosophical study of morality Morality – standards of right and wise conduct determined by reason Values are synonymous with morality; their justification and particular reasons for accepting them constitute ethics John Deign, An Introduction to Ethics (Cambridge, 2010)
Universal Values What do you value? What behaviour follows from what you value? What is the source of your values (i.e., culture, religion, politics)? Are your values universal? Are they specific only to your culture, religion, nation or group?