VALUES EDUCATION

Module 3 - Kinds of values

Lesson 1 – Fundamental classifications

a. Useful or utilitarian value: a thing has value when by means of it, something else is obtained;
e. g., roses and chocolates have value when a man uses them to obtain a woman’s favor
b. Pleasurable or delectable values: a thing has value when it provided delight and satisfaction;
e. g., a rose has value because it provides delight to the sense of smell, and a chocolate has
value because it provides satisfaction to the sense of taste
c. Befitting or becoming values: a thing has value when it develops, completes or perfects the
subject; e. g., roses and chocolates have value because they make a woman feel special

Lesson 2 – Classification according to the subject’s appreciation

a. Bonum cui: “good to whom”; intrinsic value; the value of the thing itself; e. g.,
[1] physical and mental health
[2] knowledge in all its kinds and in all levels
[3] appreciation and sympathy by, and fellowship with, others
[4] inner balance, poise, contact
[5] moral virtues
b. Bonum cujus: “his good”; instrumental value: the value of the thing given by a subject; e. g.,
virginity has value when a woman gives value to it

Lesson 3 – Classification according to nature of occurrence

a. Accidental values: temporary, variable values; e. g., the value of fasting for both for Christians
and Muslims, but only when they are healthy; fasting has no value to them when they are
sick
b. Natural values: permanent values which are present at all places and times; i. e., basic human
rights
[1] physical or biological values: right to life, food, work
[2] sentient values: right to seek pleasure and avoid pain; to marry, to mate, to have a
shelter, to exercise parental authority, to be educated
[3] rational values: right to control nature, to guide to control oneself, and to
communicate with one’s Creator

Lesson 4 – Other classifications

a. Primary and secondary values

[1] primary values: necessary for one’s authentic development; chosen and acted upon to
develop the best of one’s capacity; e. g., self-worth, the value of others to oneself
[2] secondary values: determined by society; necessary for the well-being of the society;
e. g., social justice
b. Moral or ethical values: one’s willful compliance with social expectations; personal values
higher than economic, cultural, and aesthetic values

1
c. Religious values: the absolute value one gives to his Creator; value given to things and actions
that are perceived to unite oneself with one’s Creator
d. Cultural values: values which one gives to everything he has learned from his society; e. g.,
religion, ethical standards, aesthetic taste, arts, language, human relationships
e. Social values: things or attitudes necessary for one’s survival in his society; e. g., family ties,
economic productivity, social consciousness, patriotism, liberty