NAME : MMUOKEBE CHUKWUNAZA .B.
DEPT : CIT 1
Reg : C09
Date : 13/6/2025
Course : R.M.E
VALUES
What are values?
Values in the literal sense refer to those things we love and cherish. They can also refer to
things of high importance. In a deeper context, we can refer to values as standards which
motivate and determine the way we do things. Values can therefore be defined as the basic and
fundamental standards, beliefs and customs either conscious or unconscious which motivate
and guide our choices and actions. They form the basis of a person's character as well as the
qualities in which a person possesses. In extension, they form and provide the guidelines for
people's conducts and actions. In another sense, they are tools and tenets through which
people, organizations and the society put in place as guiding principles towards actualizing the
common good or the desired goal(s).
Categories of values?
Values can be categorized into the following:
1. Intrinsic vs Extrinsic (acquired) Values:
* Intrinsic values are transcendent and ultimate values which form the fundamental basis of
other values. They are based on the ontological nature of the human person. They determine
the structure of good living. Intrinsic values are universal, e.g. respect for human life.
* Extrinsic or acquired values are those values which are formulated, organized and
established by the society, organization, family and government towards the actualization of the
desired goal(s) of the institution in question. Unlike intrinsic values which are inherent in each
person, extrinsic values are only acquired by individuals as members of the society in question.
2. Terminal vs Instrumental values
* Terminal values are the most desired and important values which we have to actualize in our
life-time existence. They contribute towards the essence of life-time existence and these make
them desirable at every point of our human existence. They include; self-respect, peaceful co-
existence, equality, freedom, honesty, wisdom, protection of life and property, family care, true
friendship, social recognition, salvation etc.
* Instrumental values are those values which are means towards actualizing terminal values.
They are values which deal with the acceptable modes of fulfilling terminal values. For instance;
hard-work, courage, forgiveness, politeness sense of responsibility, humility, charity, care, self-
control etc.
3. Individual/Personal vs Collective/Community values
* Individual (personal) values: These are values which are peculiar to a particular individual or
person. They are simply values which an individual or person possesses and they become a
source of identity, protection and recognition for the person. Example of such virtues include:
honesty, loyalty, humility, etc. A person who possesses the value of honesty can be referred to
as an honest person.
* Collective (community) values: These are values which are possessed by a group of
people. These values form the identity of such groups. They are communalism in nature and
concerned with the solidarity, as well as the common goal of the group or society. Examples of
collective values include; equality, relationship, solidarity, communion and unity.
Types of values
The above mentioned are the classes or categories of values which other values find affiliation
to. In furtherance, there are other forms of values which we shall refer in this book as types of
values. They include the following values:
1. Family values:
These are values which are formulated, established and promoted by the family in order to
enhance their living, working, relating and growing together. These values are often passed
down from one generation of the family to another. Because of the important role of the family
as the basic and fundamental unit of the society, family values are the bases through which a
child is formed to receive the other societal and cultural values. Examples of family values
include: greetings, care for one another, hospitality, trust, forgiveness, charity, listening,
obedience, respect and taking responsibility.
2. Professional values:
These are the core values relating to a particular profession, job or way of life. They are those
core standards which are required of particular people doing specific works or occupations.
Professional values can also be referred to as those guiding principles which influence the
works and roles of a given profession. They differ from one occupation or profession to another.
For example, the value of cheerfulness and politeness is required of receptionists and air
hostesses. Although, the professional values are not the same for all professions, there are
some which are not common to almost all profession, e.g. expertise in one's profession,
fairness, responsibility, integrity, politeness, etc.
3. National values:
These are generally acceptable standards, beliefs about what is good, right, reasonable and
desirable in a particular nation, state, society, country or territory. They are those values which
are considered legal and useful in promoting the unity and dignity of a particular country or
nation. Examples of national values include: patriotism, justice, peace, protection, security and
honour for the national heritage.
4. Moral values:
These are the standards or values which are considered as right or wrong. They are also set of
principles or standards which guide individuals towards the evaluation of what is right or wrong.
Moral values also serve as standards towards an individual's choices and decisions. Examples
of moral values include: integrity, purpose, humility, truthfulness, honesty, justice etc.
5. Educational values:
Educational values are those activities as well as means which gear towards enhancing the
process of passing values. They are those activities which are useful, valuable and good in the
process of education or passing on knowledge. These values help in the understanding and
appreciation of the importance of education. They are also helpful in the curriculum planning as
well as the learning methods which can suit different students. Examples of educational values
include the following: respect for authorities, respect to others, respect to the environment,
docility, attention, discipline, good disposition towards studies, cleanliness, hard-work,
determination, and courage.
6. Spiritual values
These are the values which enhance our relationship with God and help us to have a good
disposition towards relating in a very good way to others and the environment. Spiritual values
are often personal spirituality. Examples of such values include the following: vision,
thoughtfulness, freedom from anger, tranquility, fortitude, understanding, love, freedom from
envy, etc.
7. Cultural Values:
These are the values which are formulated and promoted within a particular group of people.
They can also be referred to as the core principles or standards which a given community group
of people keep and practice for a harmonious and peaceful co-existence. Cultural values differ
according to the different cultures or group of people. These types of values are often passed
from one generation to another through oral tradition or other means suitable for the people.
Examples of cultural values include: language, dressing, modes of greetings, etc.
Sources of values
The following are sources of values:
* Family and relatives
* Culture
* Jobs or profession
* Religions affiliation
* Peer groups or friends
* Community or the society
* History
* Media and
* Schools or learning institutions.
Characteristics of values
The following are characteristics of values:
* Values are foundation and sources of morality.
* Values differ according to persons, cultures and situations.
* Values play very significant roles towards living a fulfilled life.
* Values influence behaviors, actions and choices in life.
* Values are means of evaluating one's life.
* Most values are learned through the family, cultures, friends, peer groups etc.
* Values give us a sense of direction and how to do things in the society where we live.
* Values serve as means of identification and help us to differentiate among a given group of
people, e.g., cultural values.
* Values influence our perception and perspective towards understanding reality and the
happenings around us.
* Values are viable indicators which help us to understand a particular group of people.
* Positive values help in the building of positive and good societies.
Points to remember:
* Values are those standards, customs and qualities which motivate and guide our actions,
choices or the things we do.
* Values can be divided into three major categories namely: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic values,
Terminal vs instrumental values, and Individual vs collective values.
* Types of values include the following: Family values, Cultural values, Spiritual values,
Educational values, National and Professional values.
* Sources of values are: family, culture, community, peer groups, religion, schools or learning
institution.
Importance of values
The followings are the importance of values:
* Values shape our motivations, choices and actions as well as convictions in the way we relate
with others.
Law as Source of Morality
What are laws?
For every functional society refer to as the "DOS" and "DON'TS" refer to those things that define
simply mean rules or guidelines as the body of binding established in a particular society or
territory by its legitimate authorities in order to maintain order in such a society. Laws in the
state is to regulate.
SOURCES
About Author
Tivlumun Solomon Aondoaseer SDB. Is a religious belonging to the Society of St.Francis de
Sales(Salesians of Don Bosco).
He holds a B.A in philosophy from Don Bosco Institute of philosophy, Ibadan (an affilicate of
Salessian Pontifical University Rome,Italy).
As a Salesian, he has a strong zeal and passion towards the education and development of
young people.
SUMMARY
Philosophical Understanding of Values, Sources, and Law
1. Formation of Consideration: VALUES
Values are the fundamental beliefs that guide human behavior and decision-making.
Philosophically, values represent what is considered good, desirable, or worthwhile in life.
2. Types of Values:
a. Intrinsic / Extrinsic:
- Intrinsic values are valuable in themselves (e.g., happiness, truth).
- Extrinsic values are valued for their outcomes or consequences (e.g., money, fame).
b. Terminal / Instrumental:
- Terminal values are end goals of life (e.g., peace, salvation).
- Instrumental values are means to reach terminal values (e.g., honesty, discipline).
c. Individual / Personal vs Collective / Community:
- Individual values focus on personal goals and ethics.
- Collective values are shaped by culture, society, and community.
3. Sources of Value:
- Family
- Culture
- Religion
- Educational institutions
- Political systems
- Spiritual teachings
4. Types of Value:
- Moral
- Spiritual
- Political
- Educational
- National
- Professional
5. Characteristics of Value:
- Values guide behavior.
- Values are learned and transmitted.
- Values are stable but can evolve.
- Values reflect societal ideals.
6. Law as a Source of Morality:
Law serves as a formal system that defines what is acceptable in society. Philosophically, law
embodies collective moral values and helps enforce ethical conduct
.
7. Types of Law:
- Natural Law (moral principles inherent in nature)
- Positive Law (man-made rules set by authorities)
- Divine Law (laws believed to be set by a divine entity)
- Customary Law (traditional norms and practices)
Conclusion:
Values and laws are foundational to moral development and societal order. Understanding their
types, sources, and philosophical basis enhances ethical awareness and rational living.
Sources
:
- Rokeach, M. (1973). The Nature of Human Values.
- Frankena, W.K. (1973). Ethics.
- Socratic, Platonic, and Aristotelian philosophical ethics.
