Values and Ideologies As used in this paper, values refer to decision criteria which steer behaviour, in particular towards the kinds of results intended to meet specified needs. Values are defined in terms of outcomes which can be described in operational terms, i.e. which can be clearly understood and experienced by others. Ideologies, in contrast, are abstractions which cannot always be described or tested in terms of experience and results. While there is a valid role for faith in unseen possibilities, the test of truth lies in evidence, and particularly in predicted fruits of action. Ideologies are often used as the basis for claims to authority and power which are usually shown in the event to be arbitrary, whatever the beliefs of their proponents.
History provides many examples of such distortions, both well-intentioned and cynical.
From a systems perspective a valid or scientific approach must take into account all the relevant data. Ideological positions, like other intellectual hypotheses, are only as good and useful and the evidence which supports them, and as the enhancements of knowledge that they bring. Many previous generations sought intellectual security in ideological absolutes. But genuine security requires responsibility - in examining evidence systematically, in making responsible evaluations. This is the only process by which enduringly useful values can be established.