Republic of the Philippines

University of Eastern Philippines

PEDRO REBADULLA MEMORIAL CAMPUS
Catubig, Northern Samar
Email: uepprmcampus@gmail.com

MODULE 1

Do You Value, Values?

Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help
us to determine what is important to us. Values describe the personal qualities we choose to
embody to guide our actions; the sort of person we want to be; the manner in which we treat
ourselves and others, and our interaction with the world around us. They provide the general
guidelines for conduct.

Values in a narrow sense is that which is good, desirable, or worthwhile. Values are the motive
behind purposeful action. They are the ends to which we act and come in many forms.
Personal values are personal beliefs about right and wrong and may or may not be considered
moral. Cultural values are values accepted by religions or societies and reflect what is
important in each context.

Values are essential to ethics. Ethics is concerned with human actions, and the choice of those
actions. Ethics evaluates those actions, and the values that underlie them. It determines which
values should be pursued, and which shouldn't. As I discussed in last week’s blog, courage is
one such value. Those who value courage are willing to stand up for what they believe, even
in the face of strong condemnation. Courage is a moral value when it deals with right and
wrong conduct.

Value specifies a relationship between a person and a goal. It is relational in the sense that
what one person values may not be what another person values even in the same situation.
For example, a person who values honesty might blow the whistle on financial wrongdoing by
a superior whereas another person who values loyalty may remain silent. This is an example
of values conflict. The honest person may believe there are limits to loyalty and keeping quiet
about a wrongful act out of loyalty might harm others. The loyal person may believe in the
importance of keeping one’s confidence even if it might harm others because of the trusting
relationship.

Some values stand up well over the test of time; they are always good or rightful behavior.
Honesty and kindness are two such examples. It is difficult to imagine having a satisfying
relationship without them because they build trust in relationships. There are always
exceptions but they are rare. For example, if a criminal out to do harm to your friend knocks
on the door and asks whether you have seen the friend, you’re probably not going to say yes
and rationalize it out of a sense of honesty. Here, the greater good, so to speak, is to protect
your friend from harm.
The Meaning of Man as a Person
The concept of "man as a person" delves deeply into the nature of humanity, exploring what it
means to exist as a unique and dignified being. It is a philosophical, moral, and existential idea
that emphasizes the inherent value, potential, and individuality of every human being. Below
is an elaborated discussion on this concept:

1. Man as a Rational Being

One defining characteristic of man is rationality. Unlike other living beings, humans have the
ability to think critically, reason logically, and make deliberate choices. This rational nature
allows humans to:
• Analyze situations and solve complex problems.
• Make decisions based on principles rather than instincts alone.
• Reflect on their own thoughts and actions, leading to personal growth.
• Rationality enables individuals to question their existence, seek truth, and create
meaningful relationships with others. It is a hallmark of human personhood.

2. Man as a Moral Agent

Humans are moral agents, capable of distinguishing between right and wrong. As moral
beings, individuals:

• Have a conscience, which acts as an internal guide for ethical behavior.

• Take responsibility for their actions, acknowledging their impact on others and society.
• Possess the ability to set moral goals, striving for goodness and justice in their lives.
• Being a moral agent means that man has a duty to uphold values and virtues that
benefit not only himself but also others in the community.

3. Man as a Relational Being

Human beings are inherently social and relational. No person exists in isolation, as individuals
thrive and find meaning through relationships with others. This relational aspect highlights that:

• Humans need connections, such as family, friendships, and communities, for

emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• Interpersonal relationships are key to building empathy, understanding, and
compassion.
• Communication and interaction allow humans to share ideas, express emotions, and
collaborate for collective progress.
• The relationships we cultivate contribute significantly to our identity and values.

4. Man as a Dignified Being

The dignity of man as a person is a universal concept recognized across cultures and
philosophies. This dignity arises from:

• The unique capacity of every individual to think, feel, and create.

• The potential of each person to contribute meaningfully to society.
• The belief that every person has intrinsic worth, regardless of their background,
achievements, or circumstances.
• Respecting human dignity means valuing life, protecting rights, and ensuring equality.
5. Man as a Dynamic Being
Man is not a static entity; instead, he is dynamic, constantly evolving and striving for self-
improvement. This aspect of human personhood is characterized by:
• Growth through education, experiences, and challenges.
• The pursuit of personal goals and aspirations.
• The capacity to adapt, innovate, and overcome obstacles.
• This dynamism allows individuals to continually redefine their purpose and values as
they journey through life.

6. Man as a Being with Free Will

Free will is another essential attribute of man as a person. It is the ability to choose one's path
and actions, making humans accountable for their decisions. Free will:

• Provides the freedom to pursue personal beliefs and ideals.

• Encourages creativity, individuality, and diversity in thought and behavior.
• Challenges individuals to align their choices with their values and moral compass.
• With free will comes responsibility, as each person is held accountable for their actions
and their consequences.

7. Man as a Transcendent Being

Finally, man is a transcendent being, capable of seeking meaning beyond the material world.
This transcendence is evident in:

• The search for purpose and fulfillment in life.

• Spirituality and the quest to connect with something greater than oneself, such as a
divine being, nature, or the universe.
• The ability to envision a better future and work toward it with hope and perseverance.
• This transcendent nature gives man the ability to dream, imagine, and strive for ideals
that inspire growth and unity.

The Self: Understanding Who We Are

The concept of "the self" refers to how we see, think, and feel about ourselves. It is central to
our identity and helps us understand our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Here is an
elaboration on the self:

1. The Self as Identity

Our self is what makes us unique. It includes:

• Our Name and Personal Details: These are the basic parts of our identity, like our
name, age, and background.
• Our Personality: This includes traits that describe us, such as being kind, funny, or
hardworking.
• Our Roles: We play different roles, such as being a student, a friend, or a family
member.
• Each of these parts contributes to who we are and how we see ourselves in the
world.
2. The Self as Awareness
Self-awareness means knowing what we are thinking and feeling. It helps us:

• Recognize our strengths and weaknesses.

• Understand our emotions, like when we feel happy, sad, or angry.
• Make choices that align with what we believe in and value.
• By being self-aware, we can improve ourselves and grow as individuals.

3. The Self and Relationships

Our self is shaped by our relationships with others. These connections teach us important
lessons:

• From Family: We learn love, support, and responsibility.

• From Friends: We develop trust, teamwork, and understanding.
• From Society: We learn how to respect others and contribute to our community.
• The people around us play a big role in shaping how we see ourselves.

4. The Self as Growth

The self is not fixed; it grows and changes as we experience new things. For example:

• Learning: Gaining knowledge helps us understand ourselves better.

• Challenges: Facing difficulties helps us become stronger and more confident.
• Reflection: Thinking about our actions and choices helps us improve.
• Growth is an important part of becoming the best version of ourselves.

5. The Self and Values

Our self is closely connected to our values—what we believe is important in life. These
values guide our decisions and actions. Examples of values include:

• Honesty: Telling the truth.

• Kindness: Helping others.
• Responsibility: Doing what is expected of us.
• When we live according to our values, we feel true to ourselves.

6. The Self and Purpose

The self also involves finding our purpose or what gives meaning to our life. This might
include:

• Helping others.
• Achieving our dreams and goals.
• Making a positive impact on the world.
• Discovering our purpose gives us direction and fulfillment.
Where do VALUES come from?
Values are the beliefs and principles that guide individuals or societies in their actions and
decisions. They are the standards of what is considered good, right, or important. Values come
from various sources, and their formation is influenced by multiple factors, including personal
experiences, cultural background, social environment, and even biological influences. Below
is an elaborated discussion of the sources of values:

1. Family and Upbringing

• Parents and caregivers are often the first and most influential source of values. From
an early age, children learn right from wrong, what is acceptable behavior, and what is
important in life through their interactions with their family members.
• Families instill values like respect, honesty, kindness, and responsibility. These
teachings can vary widely based on the family’s own experiences, beliefs, and
traditions.

2. Culture and Society

• Cultural norms play a significant role in shaping values. The customs, traditions,
religion, and social practices of a community or society strongly influence how
individuals perceive the world and what they believe is important.
• For example, collectivist cultures may emphasize the value of family, community, and
cooperation, while individualistic cultures might prioritize personal freedom and
independence.

3. Religion
• Religious beliefs and teachings are a central source of values for many individuals and
communities. Most religions provide moral codes that guide people on how to live
ethical lives and treat others.
• Values such as love, compassion, justice, and forgiveness are often rooted in religious
teachings. The Ten Commandments in Christianity, the Five Pillars of Islam, and the
concept of Dharma in Hinduism are just a few examples of religious teachings that
guide moral behavior.

4. Education
• Formal education plays a key role in shaping values. Schools and educators are
important in reinforcing societal values, teaching critical thinking, and encouraging
respect for diversity.
• Schools teach students about fairness, equality, responsibility, and justice. They also
introduce concepts like human rights, environmental stewardship, and social justice,
all of which influence individual values.

5. Personal Experiences
• Personal life experiences, including interactions with friends, peers, and colleagues,
can strongly impact an individual’s values. Positive and negative experiences shape
our understanding of what is important and how we view the world.
• For instance, someone who has faced injustice might develop a deep sense of empathy
for others who are marginalized. Alternatively, someone who has experienced hardship
may develop resilience as a core value.
6. Media and Technology
• The media, including television, movies, books, and social media, plays a significant
role in shaping public opinion and individual values. The portrayal of characters,
behaviors, and social issues in the media can influence how people view issues like
gender roles, relationships, politics, and ethics.
• With the rise of social media, individuals are exposed to diverse perspectives and ideas,
which can challenge or reinforce their existing values.

7. Biological and Psychological Factors

• Some researchers argue that certain values are rooted in biology and psychology. For
example, humans are often predisposed to care about fairness, cooperation, and social
bonds due to evolutionary factors.
• Psychology also plays a role, as individuals' personalities and cognitive development
influence how they internalize values and make ethical decisions.

8. Philosophical and Ethical Theories

• Philosophical thought also contributes to the development of values. Philosophers like
Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill have proposed ethical theories that
shape how people think about good and bad, right and wrong.
• These theories explore topics such as utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and deontology,
which influence people's understanding of moral values and ethical decision-making.

9. Historical Context
• The historical events and movements that individuals or societies have experienced
can shape values. For example, the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and
struggles for LGBTQ+ rights have all helped shape contemporary values around
equality, justice, and human rights.
• Historical figures, movements, and wars can redefine societal values and prompt
people to rethink their priorities.

10. Peer Influence

• Friends, colleagues, and social groups can strongly influence an individual’s values.
Peer pressure, whether positive or negative, can shape attitudes toward topics such
as conformity, success, loyalty, and morality.
• The desire to fit in with a certain group or community can lead individuals to adopt
specific values or behaviors that align with that group’s norms.

Values emerge from a complex interaction of individual experiences, cultural norms, social
influences, and philosophical ideas. They serve as a guiding force for behavior, helping
individuals navigate ethical dilemmas and make decisions that align with their beliefs about
what is important. Over time, values can evolve as individuals grow and as societies change,
reflecting shifts in cultural, social, and historical contexts.