GE8 – ETHICS AND PEACE STUDIES

UNIVERSAL VALUES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

 Define universal values.

 Identify different universal values; and
 Discuss the concepts of universal value and know its importance.

VALUES

- are fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine
what is important to us. They provide the general guidelines for conduct.

[Values describe the personal qualities we choose to embody to guide our actions; the sort of person
we want to be, the way we treat ourselves and others, and our interaction with the world around
us.]

UNIVERSAL

- refers to something applicable, present, or true in all circumstances, for all people, or across all
situations. It implies a characteristic, concept, principle, or quality not limited or restricted by
specific conditions, contexts, or boundaries.

[Universality suggests that something is valid, relevant, or common to all and transcends
particularities or limitations. It is a term often used to describe concepts, principles, truths, or values
that are considered to be timeless and applicable across different cultures, contexts, or domains.]

What are the Universal Values?

Given the ambiguity of the term, the existence of universal values can be understood in two ways.

1. The first is that a large number of human beings, under different living conditions and subjected
to different beliefs, find a certain human characteristic as valuable. In that case, the
characteristic in question would then be called a universal value.
2. The second is that something is considered a universal value when all human beings have reason
to think that it is a characteristic that is generally valued.

UNIVERSAL VALUES

A universal value is a belief, principle, or ethical standard considered fundamental and applicable across
cultures, societies, and individuals worldwide. These values are considered timeless and transcendent;
they form a common moral foundation that unites people from diverse backgrounds.

(Universal values are a set of core principles or beliefs that are shared by people across different cultures,
societies, and historical periods. These values often serve as the foundation for moral and ethical judgments,
helping individuals differentiate between right and wrong, good, and bad.)

(Universal values transcend cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries, reflecting a common
understanding of basic human rights, dignity, and the inherent worth of all individuals. While the specific
interpretations and applications of universal values may vary among different cultural contexts, the
underlying principles tend to remain consistent.)

[Universal values are often seen as guiding principles for human behavior and interactions.]

Examples of Universal Values:

 Justice
Justice is a universal value that emphasizes the importance of fairness, impartiality, and the
equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. It is closely associated with the belief that all
individuals should be treated with dignity and respect, and that their rights and freedoms should be
protected.
 Compassion
Compassion is a universal value that promotes empathy, understanding, and kindness towards
others, particularly those who are suffering or in need. This value encourages individuals to be
sensitive to the feelings and needs of others, and to offer support and assistance when possible.
 Respect For Life
Respect for life is a universal value that acknowledges the intrinsic value of all living beings,
regardless of their species, race, or background. This value fosters an appreciation for the sanctity
of life and the interconnectedness of all living things, encouraging individuals to treat others with
dignity and care for the environment.
 Integrity
Integrity is a universal value that emphasizes the importance of honesty, truthfulness, and
adherence to a set of moral and ethical principles. Individuals who uphold integrity are likely to be
trustworthy, reliable, and consistent in their actions and beliefs, which can contribute to the
development of strong, stable relationships and communities.

While the importance of universal values is widely recognized, it's important to acknowledge
that there can be differences in how these values are interpreted and applied in various cultural
contexts. Respect for diversity and cultural sensitivity are also important principles to ensure
that universal values are embraced in a way that respects and honors the unique perspectives
and traditions of different communities.

CONCEPT OF UNIVERSAL VALUES ACCORDING TO SHALOM H. SCHWARTZ

Who Is Shalom H. Schwartz?

- Shalom H. Schwartz is a psychologist who has developed a theory of basic values. He identified ten
basic values that are universal. According to Schwartz's theory, universal values represent core
principles shared across cultures and societies. These values are believed to be deeply ingrained in
human nature and have a significant influence on individual behavior and societal norms.

Shalom H. Schwartz is a psychologist who has developed a theory of basic values. He identified ten basic
values that are universal:

 Power: Social status and prestige, control over others, resources

 (The desire to have control over people and resources.
Examples:** Seeking leadership positions, accumulating wealth, winning competitions.)
 Achievement: Personal success through demonstrating competence according to social
standards
(The desire to succeed and demonstrate competence.
Examples:** Setting high goals, working hard to achieve them, striving to be the best.)
 Hedonism: Pleasure and sensory gratification for oneself
(The desire to experience pleasure and gratification.
Examples:** Seeking out delicious food and drinks, enjoying leisure activities, pursuing sensual
experiences.)
 Stimulation: Variety, novelty, and excitement in life
(The desire for excitement, novelty, and challenge.
Examples:** Taking risks, trying new things, seeking out adventure.)

 Self-direction: Independence, freedom, and making one's own choices

(The desire to be independent and choose one's own goals.
Examples:** Thinking for oneself, making one's own decisions, living according to one's own
values.)
 Universalism: Concern for the welfare of all people and for nature
(The desire to promote the welfare of all people and the environment.
Examples:** Working for social justice, protecting the environment, helping those in need.)
 Benevolence: Helping others, caring for those close to one, and contributing to the well-being of
others
(The desire to care for and help others.
Examples:** Being kind and compassionate, volunteering one's time, helping friends and family
in need.)
 Tradition: Respect for customs, institutions, and religious beliefs
(The desire to respect and preserve traditional customs and ideas.
Examples:** Celebrating religious holidays, following family traditions, respecting elders.)
 Conformity: Restraining actions, inclinations, and impulses likely to upset or harm others and
violating social norms and obligations
(The desire to follow social norms and expectations.
 Examples:** Obeying laws, following dress codes, avoiding behaviors that are considered
taboo.)
 Security: Safety, harmony, and stability of society, religion, and family life
(The desire for safety, stability, and predictability.
Examples:** Having a stable job, living in a safe neighborhood, saving for retirement.)

(These values are universal because they are important to people in all cultures, even though the specific
ways in which they are expressed may vary. For example, people in all cultures value power, but the ways
in which they seek power may differ. In some cultures, people may seek power through positions of
authority, while in other cultures, people may seek power through wealth or social status.)

Schwartz's theory suggests that individuals prioritize and emphasize certain values over others, and this
prioritization influences their attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making.

It's important to note that while these values are considered universal, their interpretation and
application may vary across cultures and contexts. Cultural, social, and individual factors can
influence how these values are expressed and prioritized. However, the recognition of these
values as fundamental and widely accepted across human societies underscores their universal
nature.

Universal values are important because they provide a common moral framework that can
promote peace, ethical behavior, human rights, global cooperation, and individual well-being in
our diverse and interconnected world.

Extra Notes about the 10 basic human universal values by Shalom Schwartz
 Self-Direction
When we have autonomy we are able to make our own decisions, control our own thoughts and
bodies, go where we wish, and even be creative without fear of criticism or being prevented from
doing so. It also implies we have the resources to do these things. In a democratic society this is a
basic freedom (within the constraints of the law).
 Stimulation
When we are stimulated, our emotions are aroused as we find interest in the world around us. We
can feel excited about new experiences. We can take on challenges that help us work with passion
towards rewarding achievements.
 Hedonism
Related to stimulation is hedonism, where we seek a basic and often bodily arousal in sensuous
pleasures. This often has a shorter-term focus than stimulation, which can include life challenges.
  Achievement
We seek achievement through challenges that stimulate us and of which we can feel proud. This is
one of the ways in which our workplace can offer pleasure or (if we are not able to achieve) an
unsatisfactory frustration.
 Power
Power is the ability to achieve, to get what you want. It can include factors such as formal authority,
the control of resource and personal charisma. Power can be like a resource itself when it can be built
up and then depleted as it is used.
 Security
When we are secure we are safe from dangers, threats and other risks that may harm us. Having
power allows us to increase our security. It also provides a base on which we can seek to satisfy other
needs without having to constantly be alert.
 Conformity
When we conform to rules, we gain a comfortable sense of familiarity and an assurance that we will
be secure. In particular, non-conformance often causes social reaction where others in our group may
seek to correct those who do not conform. While this reduces our own freedom, it decreases the
chance of other people who do not conform acting in ways that are harmful to us.
 Tradition
Conformity also can be found in the desire to sustain traditions. This can be seen in rituals that be
found in social interactions, religious services and so on. Respect for social rules and others in our
social groups is a common aspect of tradition as this helps to sustain the status quo.
 Benevolence
Benevolence involves being kind and fair to others, forgiving their transgressions and ensuring
that they are looked after. In this way, the welfare of the social group is sustained and those
within it feel confident that they themselves would be helped if they fell on hard times.