UNIVERSAL
VALUES
CHAPTER 6
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After studying this module, you should be
able to:
Explain universal values
Identify the different universal values
Discuss the different concepts of
This module seeks to analyze the concept of
universal values. universal values in several aspects such as power,
achievement, benevolence, tradition, universalism,
Explain human dignity and its etc. It includes as well the basic universal human
values and the universal values under the United
importance. Nations Charter. Moreover, human dignity will be
tackled for a better understanding of having it.
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WHAT IS UNIVERSAL
VALUE?
The word "value" means something
that a person or a group believes has a
value that merits being sought,
promoted, or privileged. This can be a
thing (money, food, art), a state of mind
(peace, protection, certainty), or a
behavior that results from those things or
states of mind (protecting innocent
people, telling the truth, being creative).
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Universal values, however, can be be understood in two ways. First, it could be
that something has universal value because everyone finds it important. Second,
it could have universal value when all people have reason to believe it has value.
According to the Didactic Encyclopedia (2015), universal value is a concept
that it is not obvious to define because a principle is connected with morality or
ethics. It is difficult to transpose or apply to the level of the group. In other words, all
people have certain values that come from within them and direct their actions.
Because human beings do not think in the same way, values can differ from person
to person. Universal values, however, need to be socially expressed.
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FIGURE 1: DESCRIPTION OF UNIVERSAL VALUES
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SCHWARTS CONCEPT OF
UNIVERSAL VALUES
S. H. Schwartz, along with several colleagues in the field of psychology, carried
out empirical research analyzing whether there are universal values and what
those values are. Schwartz described 'values' as 'conceptions of what is important
that affect the way people choose 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.
Schwartz's ten types of universal value are: power, achievement, hedonism,
stimulation, self-direction, universalism, benevolence, tradition, conformity, and
06 security
Below are each of the value types, with the specific related values alongside:
POWER ACHIEVEMENT HEDONISM STIMULATION
authority; success; capability; pleasure; enjoying daring activities; varied
leadership; ambition; influence; life life; exciting life
dominance, intelligence; self-respect
social power,
wealth
creativity; freedom; independence;
SELF-DIRECTION curiosity; choosing your own goals
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Below are each of the value types, with the specific related values alongside:
UNIVERSALISM BENEVOLENCE TRADITION SECURITY
broadmindedness; wisdom; helpfulness; honesty; accepting one's cleanliness; family
social justice; equality; a forgiveness; loyalty; portion in life; security; national
world at peace; a responsibility; friendship humility; devoutness; security; stability
world of beauty; unity with respect for tradition; of social order;
nature; protecting the moderation reciprocation of
environment; inner harmony favours; health;
sense of
belonging
CONFIRMITY self-discipline; obedience
Schwartz also tested an eleventh possible universal value, 'spirituality', or 'the goal of
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finding meaning in life', but found that it does not seem to be recognised in all cultures
FIGURE 2: Schwarts’ Types of Universal Values
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UN CHARTER OF UNIVERSAL
VALUES
In the lecture by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on
Global Ethics, entitled “Do We Still Have Universal
Values?”, delivered at Tübingen University, Germany, he
stressed this quotation, “The values of peace, freedom,
social progress, equal rights and human dignity,
enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and in the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are no less valid
today than when, over half a century ago, those
documents were drafted by representatives of many
different nations and cultures.” Progress, equal rights,
human dignity are accurately needed in this age of
globalization.
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In the Millennium Declaration according to Annan, “all states reaffirmed certain
fundamental values as being essentials to international relations in the twenty-
first century”: freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for nature and
shared responsibility.”
Looking at the fundamental values mentioned above and the provisions under
the Charter of the United Nations, countries of all nations and cultures must apply
these principles to maintain peace and security in the world. Rich, poor,
developed, underdeveloped, advanced, or not and highly technological or not
countries must not only adapt but implement these values seriously
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BASIC UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES
Hereunder are some of the basic universal human values:
(1) Happiness – it refers to good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy. (6) Under the notes on
Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, “happiness or flourishing or living well is a complete and
sufficient good.” This implies that it is desired for itself, that it is not desired for the sake of
anything else, that it satisfies all desire and has no evil mixed in with it, and that it is stable
(2) Peace – is a freedom from disturbance; tranquility. It is a state or period in which there
is no war or a war has ended. A state of mutual harmony between people or groups,
especially in personal relations: Example: Live in peace with your neighbors.
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BASIC UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES
Hereunder are some of the basic universal human values:
(3) Freedom – is the state of being free or at liberty, freedom from control, interference,
obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking,
etc., according to choice.
(4) Safety - is the state of being safe; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury, danger,
or loss.
(5) Intelligence – is a capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms
of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.
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BASIC UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES
Hereunder are some of the basic universal human values:
(6) Respect - is a formal expression or gesture of greeting, esteem, or friendship:
deference to a right, privilege, privileged position, or someone or something considered to
have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy; acknowledgment: respect
for a suspect's right to counsel; to show respect for the flag; respect for the
elderly.
(7) Equality – is the state or quality of being equal; correspondence in quantity, degree,
value, rank, or ability: promoting equality of opportunity in the workplace.
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BASIC UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES
Hereunder are some of the basic universal human values:
(8) Justice – is the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness:
to uphold the justice of a cause
(9) Nature – is the material world, especially as surrounding humankind and existing
independently of human activities
(10) Health – is the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and
vigor: good health; poor health. soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or
ailment to have one's health; to lose one's health
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Dignity is the state or quality of being worthy of honor or
respect.
"A man of dignity and unbending principle" is an
example. It refers to bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of
self-respect or appreciation of the formality or gravity of an
occasion or situation. It is the importance and value that a
THE
person has, that makes other people respect them or makes
them respect themselves.
HUMAN
Dignity is earned and cannot be taken away from DIGNITY
anyone. It must be preserved so that the respect of others is
maintained. Any act or action to be done by an individual will
be reflected in his or her personality. Only one big mistake
can ruin a good reputation for anyone. People must be very
careful of his or her action and words to be said.
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The 1987 Philippine Constitution Article 2 Section 11
provides, “The state recognizes the dignity of every human
person and guaranteed full respect for human right.”
This implies that any person in whatever capacity,
economic and social status, rich or poor, educated or
THE
uneducated deserve to be respected by anyone. There are
instances that a simple individual is respectful more than
HUMAN
professionals. The status in life is not a guarantee that an DIGNITY
individual has dignity and honor. It is in the inner self of a
person, an innate character built and developed day by day
of anyone. Whatever action to be done will reflect on whom
and who you are.
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END OF
CHAPTER 6