Laying Value Judgement on Critical Issues

Quarter 4 - Module 5

Expressing one’s opinion about an issue is very interests. Individual values include enthusiasm,
difficult to do as there are times that our ideas are creativity, humility and personal fulfillment.
against a trend or culture. However, due to its
Relationship values reflect how we relate to other
necessity, we are forced to push through with it
people in our life, such as friends, family, teachers,
because we believe that our position has to do with
managers, etc. Relationship values include
the welfare of the majority. We have to take a stand
openness, trust, generosity and caring.
no matter how unpopular it is because doing so
brings an incomparable change. Social values reflect how we relate to society. Social
values include justice, freedom, respect, community,
As a 21st century learner, you are influenced by the
and responsibility.
global trends that greatly affect you as a person and
a citizen. Changes are everywhere which occur in a In today’s world, it may seem our society doesn’t
very fast pace. At times you find yourself behind practice many values. We have a rise in
which somehow forces you to hasten. In some cases, discrimination, abuse of power, greed, etc. What are
you will be obliged to make decisions or make a we leaving behind for our future generations? Maybe
stand about issues that have implications in your it’s time society takes a hard look at its values.
daily life. For you to be prepared in these
circumstances, let’s begin with understanding on the Here are some things I feel our society needs more
concept: of:

A value judgment (or value judgement) is a Empathy – Empathy is defined as understanding and
judgment of the rightness or wrongness of sharing the feelings of another. People need to
something or someone, or of the usefulness of understand who others are and accept who they are.
something or someone, based on a comparison or Focusing on how we can grow together should be
other relativity. As a generalization, a value judgment our ultimate goal.
can refer to a judgment based upon a particular set Respect – Mutual respect is needed for all of us. This
of values or on a particular value system. is what makes us human. Having respect for
The term value judgment can be used objectively to everyone, despite the differences between us, is vital
refer to any injunction that implies an obligation to in order for a society to function well.
carry out an act, implicitly involving the terms Love – Having love in our hearts keeps us from
"ought" or "should". It can be used either in a feeling the need to harm others. Love helps us
positive sense, signifying that a judgment must be acknowledge the similarities we all share rather than
made taking a value system into account, or in a the differences of color, religion or sexual
disparaging sense, signifying a judgment made by orientation.
personal whim rather than objective thought or
evidence. Loyalty – Loyalty is a value that binds us to a person,
thing or sentiment. With loyalty, we do not betray. If
Upholding Values in Today’s Society by Teresa we all shared loyalty, it would help us build the
Mercer, Youth First, Inc. strength needed to stand up against something that
I have worked with people of all ages, and that has would harm our society.
given me the unique experience of learning about Honesty – One form of honesty in society is
the different value systems of many people. It has accepting yourself. With honesty, you can admit your
been very interesting to listen to every person’s story flaws and take the necessary steps to improve
and what is important in their life, whether they are yourself. When we can admit to our flaws it can help
6 or 60 years old. someone else admit theirs. Ultimately, we can all
Values reflect our sense of right and wrong. They help each other become better people.
help us grow and develop. They help us create the Values can be contagious; if you practice them, many
future we want. The decisions we make every day others will also, including our children. Hopefully
are a reflection of our values. more practice from all of us will leave the world a
We learn most of our values from our parents and better place for future generations.
extended families. Our family values stem from our
social and cultural values. Sometimes new life
experiences may change values we previously held.

Individual values reflect how we live our life and