PART III
AXIOLOGY
Axiology involves the study of values, value judgments, and ethical systems. John Dewey provides an introduction to the pragmatic therory of value, which simply defines values as actionable commitments. In other words, people's values are the criteria they use when prioritizing decisions and choices. Values are embedded in actions, and can be inferred from those actions. In so far as actions contradict, or are not consistent with what is said or written, the authentic indication of values is what is done rather than what is proclaimed. Hence, judgments of value imply action rather than just affirmation. The study of ethical systems can be called transvaluation. The term trans– valuation, and probably a good deal of the modern concept itself, appears to originate with Friedrich Nietzsche. Transvaluation itself means looking across the valuation process, both historically and comparatively, so as to be able to assess and critique various ethical systems regarding their sources, structures, implications, and consequences. Regarding Occidental culture,which was Nietzsche's main focus, he concluded that Christianity had a pervasive and pernicious effect, leading to a morality of denial, deference, and degeneracy. What he favoured instead was a morality of vision and strength, a warrior ethics that was not afraid to set agendas and dominate. However, the use of transvaluation does not require Nietzsche's or anyone else's conclusions.
How to use axiology?
There are 3 archetypal principles of personal conduct: (1) hedonism - seeking pleasure in whatever form; (2) egoism - getting your own way by whatever connivance; and (3) entrepreneurialism, which is seeking or creating projects that provide fulfillment and worthwhile objectives. A certain amount of enjoyment and ascendancy are to be expected, even encouraged, but without something worthwhile and fulfilling in one's life, the overall affect will be shallow and unsatisfying. Social principles can be grouped under: (i) altruism - caring for others and acting accordingly; (ii) collectivism - respecting the folkways and mores, obeying the laws; and (iii) elitism – providing leadership when and where it is requested or required. There may be a conflict between personal and social principles, but this is not an inevitable state of affairs. Transcendental principles refer to the "bigger picture" and are covered by: (a) theism - reference to the supernatural or the spiritual; (b) humanism - ascribing "higher motivations" to the effects of human culture, and making humanity "the measure of all things"; and (c) environmentalism - respecting (or even worshiping) Mother Earth as the source and sustenance of all life, and a guide for human action.
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