|
Value means what is good or
bad, better or worse. It's clear to most of us is that there is more
than one dimension of value; we understand that wealth does not equate
to happiness - though it might help. Many business and public
organizations now talk about a
"
triple bottom line". Bullshit can occur
when someone only considers the aspect(s) of value that appeal most
to our immediate self-interest - when there are clearly issues with the
other aspects. And then there's the question "value to
whom?". Bullshit may occur when value to some of the parties who have a
genuine stake in an issue are not taken into account - the "stuff them"
approach. |
| A well recognized distinction in terms of quality of our lives is
between the Rational and Logical on the one hand and the Emotive and
Inspirational on the other. We all need to maintain a balance between
these, but individuals will inevitably differ in where their balance
lies. |
| However these two dimensions alone do not guarantee value. We need to
consider Resources, Motivation and Practicability. |
| Resources are the things we need to sustain our lives and make things
happen. They include things like materials, minerals, food and human
effort. None of these are unlimited, though they may be flexible.
Resources also include money - which is not an end in itself as far as
quality of life is concerned. Money should be seen - like other resources - as a constraint, or as a
temporary store of means to buy what one needs or wants. |
| Motivation is critical because humans need a spur to take action.
Financial gain is not always the main point - quality of life may be more
important. There may be motivation to reduce risk, alleviate boredom, try
something different or just make things easier or more efficient.
There is also altruistic motivation, to do something with for others, for
a cause, or for society - with minimal thought of gain to oneself.
If there is too little motivation people may fritter their life away. And
a
nanny state that provides everyone's needs regardless of effort and
initiative, will not remain competitive. |
| Practicality means facing the question "will it actually work, or happen?". The physical
world we are thrown into has many "gotchas". There is significant value
in negotiating the bumps in the road. Things often don't work as hoped
because not enough consensus has been reached, and this depends on the
coherence of societies. |
| Based on the ideas of US theologian Loyal Rue, I have proposed a
"Pentagon" of value - follow this link to view
my diagram and comments. |
