Lesson I Basic Universal Values

Human beings are endowed with spiritual capacities. This is a fact testified to by the founders of all the
world religions as well as by sages and philosophers throughout history. An understanding of these
positive virtues and values give individuals and societies the moral accountability that is the basis of
human integrity. Mere knowledge of ideals and principles is not enough. There is always the need to
translate the ideals into action.

The development of civilization has occurred in a spiral pattern with seasons of enlightenment and
periods of darkness, but with constant advancement Confidence in the advent of human maturity and
global community provides the foundation for world peace.

What is Universal Value?

A value is a quality that weans people, things, events or situations. The term is used to designate the
moral characteristics that are inherent in a subject piety, responsibility, secularism, respect, etc.

Universal, however, is an adjective that is related to what belongs or which relates to the universe. The
concept refers to the set of all things created and what is common to all its kind.

These definitions enable us to approach the notion of universal value Universal values are formed by
implied behavioral standards that are necessary to live in a harmonious and peaceful society.

It is a notion which is not obvious to define, because a value is associated with morality and ethics,
which is difficult to transpose, or refer to the level of the group. In other words, all people have certain
values that come from their interior and guide their actions. Because humans do not think all the same
way, values can vary from one person to the next. Universal values, however, have the particularity to
be socially shared (Didactic Encyclopedia, 2015)

In addition to cultural differences, we can say that the goodness, solidarity, volunteerism and honesty
are virtues you want in any country or region. So, these are universal values.

Universal values are acquired with family education and school, because the process of socialization
involves that new generations internalize timeless concepts

Schwartz Concept of Universal Values

S H. Schwartz, along with a number of psychology colleagues, has carried out empirical research
investigating whether there are universal values, and what those values are Schwartz defined values as
“conceptions of the desirable that influence the way people select action and evaluate events (Sen,
1999).

Schwartz’s results from a series of studies that included surveys of more than 25,000 people in 44
countries with a wide range of different cultural types suggest that there are fifty-six specific universal
values and ten types of universal value. Below are each of the value types, with the specific related
values alongside
Power: Social status and prestige, control or dominance over people and resources.

Achievement: Personal success through demonstrating competence according to social standards

Hedonism Pleasure or sensuous gratification for oneself.

Stimulation Excitement, novelty, and challenge in life.

Self-Direction: Independent thought and action-choosing creating, exploring

Universalism: Understanding, appreciation, tolerance, and protection for the welfare of all people and
for nature.

Benevolence: Preservation and enhancement of the welfare of people with whom one is in frequent
personal contact

Tradition: Respect, commitment, and acceptance of the customs and ideas that traditional culture or
religion provide.

Conformity: Restraint of actions, inclinations, and impulses likely to upset or harm others and violate
social expectations or norms

Security: Safety, harmony and stability of society, of relationships, and of self

Schwartz also tested an eleventh possible universal value, spirituality or the goal of finding meaning in
life, but found that it does not seem to be recognized in all cultures.

UN Charter on Universal Values

The values enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter, respect for fundamental human rights, social
justice and human dignity, and respect for the equal rights of men and women, serves as overarching
values to which suppliers of goods and services to the UN are expected to adhere. In a speech at
Tubingen University in Germany, UN Secretary General kofi Annan emphasized that PROGRESS, EQUAL
RIGHTS, HUMAN DIGNITY are acutely needed in this age of globalization

Annan further stated that three years ago, in the Millennium Declaration, all states reaffirmed certain
fundamental values as being essential to international relations in the twenty-first century freedom,
equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature, and shared responsibility. They adopted practical,
achievable targets - the Millennium Development Goals for relieving the blight of extreme poverty and
making such rights as education, basic health care and clean water a reality for all However,
globalization has brought nations closer together in the sense that they are all affected by each other's
actions, but not in the sense that they all share the benefits and the burdens. Instead, some nations
have allowed it to drive other nations further apart, increasing the disparities in wealth and power both
between societies and within them
Basic Universal Human Values

The function of most of these basic values is to make it possible for every human to realize or maintain
the very highest or most basic universal core value of life, love and happiness Hereunder are some of
the basic universal human values:

1. Happiness - In the ancient past the founders of the big religions in the world have already taught
about the reward for a religious life by an afterlife in Paradise, Heaven, or Nirvana etc, to enjoy there an
ultimate and eternal happiness. And from this we can understand that in fact eternal happiness the
ultimate value of all religious people for nobody would like to go to any dull or miserable Paradise or so.

2. Peace – Peace has to be seen as a basic condition for freedom.and happiness for without peace there
cannot be real freedom Wherever there is fight, threat or hostility, our freedom and happiness are
inhibited or totally prevented

3. Love – Love in a general sense can be best defined as feelings or an experience of deep
connectedness or oneness with any other human being, any animal, plant, tree, thing, or unnamable
Love can also be experienced as something far beyond any comprehension, and totally indescribable

Love may happen to us when we are able to be open to the beauty and nature of other people, or to the
beauty and mystery of nature in general, or even beautiful things Hence the importance of a human-
friendly mentality. Which contains an attitude of openness to the basically loving nature of others, and
the state of openness out of human-friendliness imply an openness and friendly attitude to the whole of
existence

Freedom – Freedom means the experience of unrestricted, and to be as much as possible independent
of the social pressure of others A basic condition for happiness is however the experience of an inner, or
mental freedom from all kinds of stress, worry, anxiety, problems, obligations and as often directly or
indirectly caused by the respect less egocentric or power-oriented mentality of many others in our
society

For many people in the world it would be much easier to attain happiness if others in their society would
show a little more respect for the value of freedom of all other people in that society For basically an
outer freedom from dominance, repression, burden, obligations and duties creates also an inner
freedom from problems of worry, stress, and tears

And this shows also a huge responsibility for politicians and all other people in power, and it asics for
their integrity, empathy, and respect, for freedom is for any human a basic condition for happiness, one
of our very highest human values

Safety – Safety means free of threat, fear and survival-stress. Without safety, people tend to live out of
their individual survival instinct, and long term insecurity creates an egocentric survival mentality.
Without safety, people in a society are burdened by emotional fear, helplessness, and anxiety
Intelligence – Intelligence has been defined in many different ways to include the capacity for logic,
understanding, self-awareness, learning, emotional knowledge, reasoning, planning, creativity, and
problem solving. It can be more generally described as the ability to perceive or inter information, and
to retain it as knowledge to be applied towards adaptive behaviors within an environment or context.

A tremendous challenge to our human intelligence is our ability to cooperate on a global scale, to avoid
catastrophic global developments, like climate change population growth, the ecology problem, and the
nuclear (war) problem. These problems of humanity show the urgent need for a globu) intelligence, and
the very basic value of human intelligence on a global scale

Human respect – The most basic principle of any social community is feelings of connectedness which
come out of our perception, empathy and awareness that the other human is basically as we are
ourselves. This creates trust and a friendly attitude towards the other. Out of this empathy and the
awareness that the other is basically as we are ourselves and the resulting feelings of connectedness we
feel a natural and spontaneous respect for the other.

Natural and spontaneous human respect can only be earned by integrity veracity and truly social
behavior Not by just some impressing or over acting behavior. True respect is a spontaneous
phenomenon, which comes basically out of the understanding that deep down the other person is the
same as we are ourselves

Equality – Equality originates from aequalis aequus and aequalitas. These are all old French or Latin
words. These French/Latin words mean even, level and equal. Thus the meaning of the word ‘equality’
used in political science corresponds to the meaning from which it originates.

Every person has certain claims to equality. There are two very important forms of legal or formal
equality One is equality before law and equal protection of law. What is to be noted here is that the
legal member of the legal association can legitimately claim that all the citizens must be treated equally
by law and no discrimination is to be allowed

Every individual has the right to claim equal liberties with others and when the state authority can
ensure this, it will be assumed that justice will no longer be far away. The state must see that in regard
to the allotment of rights and liberties the principle of equality has been most scrupulously observed
equality is violated, justice will not be achieved Justice is always hand in glove with equality. In a state all
the opportunities and position shall be opened all. There shall be no place of discrimination

Justice – It is the proper administration of the law, the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals
under the law. In general justice is needed o realize and maintain our highest human values of freedom,
peace, life, love and happiness and injustice can prevent or inhibit these highest human values.

Nature – Understanding our physical dependence of nature, and our awareness of being part of it are
needed to see the basic value of nature. Man is part of nature, and our very human existence is
dependent of nature and its ecology. And hence our highest human values of life itself and freedom,
safety. Peace. Love and happiness can only be realized in harmony with nature.

Health – World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as being a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. In 1986 WHO also said that
health is “a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living. Health is a positive concept
emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities Also there is a term known as
mental health and it describes either a level of cognitive or emotional well-being or an absence of a
mental disorder.

The Human Dignity

The English word dignity comes from the Latin word, dignitas, which means “worthiness.” Dignity
implies that each person is worthy of honor and respect for who they are, not just for what they can do.
In other words, human dignity cannot be earned and cannot be taken away. It’s an inalienable gift given
to u by God, and every other good thing in lite depends on the safeguarding of our fundamental dignity.
As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights pubs it, “recognition of the inherent dignity…of all
members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world

Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake. Find to treated ethically

Human dignity originates from God and is of God because we are made in God’s own image and
likeness. Human life is sacred because the human person is the most central and clearest reflection of
God among us. Human beings have transcendent worth and value that comes from God, this dignity is
not based on any human quality legal mandate, or individual merit accomplishment. Human dignity is
inalienable- that means it is an essential part of every human being and is an intrinsic quality that can
never be separated from other essential aspects of the human person

Human beings are qualitatively different from any other living being in the world because they are
capable of knowing and loving God, unlike any other creature. Belief in the dignity bf the human person
is the foundation of morality.

1. Dignity is the right of a person to be valued and respected for their own sake and to be treated
equally. T
2. Universal values are formed by implied behavioral standards that are necessary to live in a
harmonious and peaceful society. T
3. Freedom means free of threat, fear and survival stress F
4. Belief in the dignity of the human person is the foundation of morality T
5. Love is the ultimate value of all religious people F
6. Justice is the proper administration of the law, the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals
under the law. T
7. Happiness is a resource of everyday life F
8. Love creates trust and a friendly attitude towards the other. F
9. The English word dignity comes from the Latin word, dignitus which means worthiness. T
 10. Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources as well as physical
capacities. T

Lesson 2 and 3

Aristotle tells us that there are good people in the world. These are those who exhibit excellences -
excellences of thought and excellences of character. His phrase for excellences of character - ethikai
aretai - we usually translate as moral virtue Or moral excellence. When we speak of a moral virtue or an
excellence of character, the emphasis is on the combination of qualities that make individual the sort of
ethically admirable person that he is. Aristotle defines virtuous character at the beginning of Book II in
Nicomachean Ethics: "Excellence of character, then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean
relative to us, this being determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom
would determine it. Now is a mean between two vices, that which depends on excess and that which
depends on defect" In Aristotle's view, good character is based on two naturally occurring psychological
responses that most people experience without difficulty: our tendency to take pleasure from self-
realizing activity and our tendency to form friendly feelings toward others under specific circumstance’s.
Based on his view, virtually everyone is capable of becoming better and they are the ones responsible
for actions that express for could express) their character (Stanford Encyclopedia).

What is Moral Character?

Moral character or character is an evaluation of an individual's stable moral qualities. The concept of
character can imply a variety of attributes including the existence or lack of virtues such as empathy,
courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty, or of good behaviors or habits. Moral character primarily refers
to the assemblage of qualities that distinguish one individual from another-although on a cultural level,
the set of moral behaviors to which a social group adheres can be said to unite and define it culturally as
distinct from others. Psychologist Lawrence Pervin defines moral character as "a disposition to express
behavior in consistent patterns of functions across a range of situations (timpe, 2008)

A moral character is defined as an idea in which one is unique and can be distinguished from others.
Perhaps it can assemble qualities and traits that are different from various individuals. It implies to how
individuals act, or how they express themselves In another words, it is human excellence" or unique
thoughts of a character. When the concept of virtue is spoken, this would emphasize the distinctiveness
or specialty, but it all involves the combination of qualities that

Make an individual the way he or she is. Based on this definition, the insight of a moral character can be
viewed differently Although these philosophers diverge with their arguments, they in some sense have
similarities. These similarities will show how the matter of a character is important and crucial to the
human nature

Importance of Having a Strong Moral Character

When you have strong moral character, you’ll be judged by who you are rather than who you pretend to
be Below are some of the consequences of having a strong moral character (Sonnenberg, 2016)
Achieve peace of mind. People with character sleep well at night. They take great pride in knowing that
their intentions and actions are honorable. People with character also stay true to their beliefs, do right
by others, and always take the high ground.

Strengthen trust. People with character enjoy meaningful relationships based on openness, honesty,
and mutual respect. When you have good moral character, people know that your behavior is reliable,
your heart is in the right place, and your word is good as gold.

Build a solid reputation. People with character command a rock-solid reputation. This helps them attract
exciting opportunities like a magnet

Reduce anxiety. People with character carry less baggage They’re comfortable within their own skin, and
they accept responsibility for their actions. They never have to play games, waste precious time keeping
their stories straight, or invent excuses to cover their behind.

Increase leadership effectiveness. Leaders with character are highly effective They have no need to pull
rank or resort to command and control to get results. Instead, they’re effective because they’re
knowledgeable, admired, trusted, and respected. This helps them secure buy-in automatically, without
requiring egregious rules or strong oversight designed to force compliance.

Build confidence. People with character don’t worry about embarrassment if their actions are publicly
disclosed. This alleviates the need for damage control or the fear of potential disgrace as a result of
indiscretions.

Become a positive role model. People with character set the standard for excellence. They live their life
as an open book, teaching others important life lessons through their words and their deeds.

Live a purpose-driven life. People with character live a life they can be proud of. They’re driven to make
a difference and to do right by others rather than trying to impress others with extravagance.

Build a strong business. Doing the right thing is good business. Everything else being equal, talented
people would rather work for – and customers would rather buy from-companies that do right by their
people, customers, and communities. While unprincipled business tactics may provide short term
results, it’s NOT a long-term strategy Although you may not be able to quantify the benefits of being a
good person, there’s great truth in the saying, “good people finish first Strong moral character is like a
boomerang that causes good things to find their way back to you. So promise yourself to be true to
yourself and do what’s right, even when nobody is looking – Character matters.

Development of Moral Character

If you believe developing your character is an endeavor you want to pursue, here are some steps to
show you how:
Define your core values – Know what is most important to you by determining your values for your
professional and personal life. These are the principles that are the foundation for your priorities,
choices, actions, and behaviors

Practice the habits – Pick one or two of the traits of good character to practice for several weeks. Write
down the actions you want to take or the behaviors you define that reflect this trait, and implement
them in your daily life and interactions. Wear a rubber band on your wrist or create other reminders to
help you practice

Find people with character – Surround yourself with people who reflect the character traits you want to
embrace. They will inspire and motivate you to build these traits in yourself Try to avoid people who
have a weak character and make bad decisions

Take some risks – Start taking small actions toward a goal or value that involve some level of risk. When
you face the possibility of failure and challenge yourself toward success, you become mentally and
emotionally stronger and more committed to your principles.

Stretch yourself – Create high standards and big goals for yourself. Expect the best of yourself and
constantly work toward that, even though you will have setbacks and occasional failures. Every stretch
builds your confidence and knowledge that your character is getting stronger.

Commit to self-improvement – Realize that building your character is a life- long endeavor. It is
something that is practiced both in the minutiae and the defining moments of your life There will be
times you step up to the character traits you embrace and other times you falter. By remaining
committed personal growth and learning about yourself, your character will naturally improve, even
though the failures.

Some Good Character Traits to Practice

1. Attract the trust and respect of other people.

2. Allows you to influence others.
3. Changes your perspective about failure.
4. Sustains you through difficult times or opposition
5. Improves your self-esteem, self-respect, and confidence.
6. Creates a foundation for happy, healthy relationship.
7. Helps you stay committed to your values and goals.
8. Improves your chance of success in work and other endeavors.

Character Traits that Impact One’s Happiness (liveboldandbloom.com)

Good character consists of defining your values and integrity based on time-tested principles and self-
reflection and having the courage to live your life accordingly

Integrity – Integrity is having strong moral principles and core values and then conducting your life with
those as your guide. When you have integrity. You main your adherence to it whether or not other
people are watching
Honesty – Honesty is more than telling the truth. It’s living the truth. It is being straightforward and
trustworthy in all of your interactions, relationships, and thoughts. Being honest requires self-honesty
and authenticity.

Loyalty – Loyalty is faithfulness and devotion to your loved ones, your friends, and anyone with whom
you have a trusted relationship. Loyalty can also extend to your employer, the organizations you belong
to your community, and your country

Respectfulness You treat yourself and others with courtesy, kindness deference, dignity, and civility. You
offer basic respect as a sign of your value for the worth of all people and your ability to accept the
inherent flaws we all posses.

Responsibility – You accept personal relational, career, community, and societal obligations even when
they are difficult or uncomfortable. You follow through on commitments and proactively create or
accept accountability for your behavior and choices.

Humility You have a confident yet modest opinion of your own well importance. You don’t see yourself
as too good for other people or situations You have a learning and growth mindset and the desire to
express and experience gratitude for what you have, rather than expecting you deserve more.

Compassion You feel deep sympathy and pity for the suffering and misfortune of other and you have a
desire to do something to alleviate their suffering.

Fairness – Using discernment, compassion, and integrity, you strive to make decisions and take actions
based on what you consider the ultimate best course or outcome for all involved

Forgiveness – You make conscious, intentional decisions to let go of resentment and anger toward
someone for an offense – whether or not forgiveness is sought by the offender. Forgiveness may or may
not include pardoning restoration, or reconciliation It extends both to others and to one’s sel

Authenticity – You are able to be your real and true selt, without pretension

Posturing or insincerity. You are capable of showing appropriate vulnerability

And sell-awareness
Courageousness – Inspite of fear of danger discomfort, or pain, you have the mental fortitude to carry
on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best course of action

Generosity – You are willing to offer your time, energy, efforts, emotions. Words, or assets without the
expectation of something in retum. You offer these freely and often joyously

Perseverance – Perseverance is the steadfast persistence and determination to

Continue on with a course of action, beliet, or purpose, even if it’s difficult or

Uncomfortable in order to reach a higher goal or outcome

Politeness You are knowledgeable at basic good manners, common courtesies, and etiquette and are
willing to apply those to all people you encounter You desire to learn the skills of politeness in order to
enhance your relationships and self-esteem

Kindness-Kindnessis an attitude of being considerate, helpful, and benevolent to others. It is motivated

by a positive disposition and the desire for warm and pleasant interactions

Lovingness – The ability to be loving toward those you love means showing them through your words,
actions and expressions how deeply you care about them. It includes the willingness to be open and

Optimism – Optimism is a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future. It involves a positive
mental attitude in which you interpret life events, people, and situations in a promising light.

Reliability – You can be consistently depended upon to follow through on your commitments, actions,
and decisions. You do what you say you will do.

Conscientiousness – You have the desire to do things well or to the best of your ability. You are
thorough, careful, efficient, organized, and vigilant in your efforts, based on your own principles or sense
of what is right,
Self-discipline – You are able through good habits or willpower, to overcome your desires or feelings in
order to follow the best course of action or to rise to your commitments or principles. You have a strong
sense of self-control in order to reach a desired goal.

Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, a comprehensive stage theory of moral development
based on Jean Piaget's theory of moral judgment for children (1932) and developed by Kohlberg in 1958.
Cognitive in nature, Kohlberg's theory focuses on the thinking process that occurs when one decides
whether a behavior is right or wrong. Thus, the theoretical emphasis is on how one decides to respond
to a moral dilemma, not what one decides or what one actually does.

The framework of Kohlberg's theory consists of six stages arranged sequentially in successive tiers of
complexity. He organized his six stages into three general levels of moral development (Encyclopedia
Britannica).

Level 1: Pre-conventional level

At the pre-conventional level, morality is externally controlled. Rules imposed by authority figures are
conformed to in order to avoid punishment or receive rewards. This perspective involves the idea that
what is right is what one can get away with or what is personally satisfying. Level 1 has two stages.

Stage 1: Punishment/obedience orientation - Behavior is determined by consequences. The individual

will obey in order to avoid punishment.

Stage 2: Instrumental purpose orientation - Behavior is determined again by consequences. The

individual focuses on receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.

Level 2: Conventional level

At the conventional level, conformity to social rules remains important to the individual. However, the
emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships with other people and social systems. The individual
strives to support rules that are set forth by others such as parents, peers, and the government in order
to win their approval or to maintain social order.
Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl orientation - Behavior is determined by social approval. The individual
wants to maintain or win the affection and approval of others by being a "good person."

Stage 4: Law and order orientation - Social rules and laws determine behavior. The individual now takes
into consideration a larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision making becomes more than
consideration of close ties to others. The individual believes that rules and laws maintain social order
that is worth preserving.

Level 3: Post-conventional or principled level

At the postconventional level, the individual moves beyond the perspective of his or her own society.
Morality is defined in terms of abstract principles and values that apply to all situations and societies.
The individual attempts to take the perspective of all individuals.

Stage 5: Social contract orientation-Individual rights determine behavior. The individual views laws and
rules as flexible tools for improving human purposes. That is, given the right situation, there are
exceptions to rules. When laws are not consistent with individual rights and the interests of the
majority, it does not bring about good for people and alternatives should be considered.

Stage 6: Universal ethical principle orientation - According to Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of
functioning. However, he claimed that some individuals will never reach this level. At this stage, the
appropriate action is determined by one's self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles
are abstract and universal in application: This type of reasoning involves taking the perspective of every
person or group that could potentially be affected by the decision.

Arguments against Kohlberg's Theory

*Arguments Against Kohlberg's Theory *

How does this theory apply to males and females? Kohlberg (1969) felt that more males than females
move past stage four in their moral development. He went on to note that women seem to be deficient
in their moral reasoning abilities. These ideas were not well received by Carol Gilligan, a research
assistant of Kohlberg, who consequently developed her own ideas of moral development. In her
groundbreaking book, in a "Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development", Gilligan
(1982) criticized her former mentor's theory because it was based only on upper class white men and
boys. She argued that women are not deficient in their moral reasoning-she proposed that males and
females reason differently. Girls and women focus more on staying connected and the importance of
interpersonal relationships.

Moral development plays an important role in our social interactions. Understanding how and why
individuals make decisions regarding moral dilemmas can be very useful in many settings. Kohlberg's
theory of moral development provides a framework in which to investigate and begin to comprehend
how moral reasoning develops within individuals.

(see the diagram on your book

1. People with character set the standard for excellence. T

2. Pessimism is a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future. F
3. Define your core values is needed in order to have a strong moral character. F
4. Social rules and laws determine behavior. T
5. In a universal contract orientation, the individuals views laws and rules as flexible tools in
human purposes. F
6. Integrity is having strong moral principles and core values and then conducting your life with
those as your guide. T
7. Moral development plays an important role in our social interactions. T
8. Rules imposed by authority figures are conformed to in order to avoid punishment or receive
awards. T
9. Strong moral character is like a boomerang that causes bad things to find their way back to you.
F
10. Promise yourself to be true to yourself and do what is right even when nobody is looking. T
11. Loyalty is faithfulness and devotion to you loved ones and anyone with whom you have a
trusted relationships. T
12. When you have good character people know that your behavior is reliable T
13. Commit to self improvement realize that building your character is a life -long-endeavor T
14. Morality is defined in terms of abstract principles and values that applies in all situations and
societies. T
15. Optimism involves a negative mental attitude is which you interpret life events , people and
situation in a promising light. F