Values

c. 1300, "price equal to the intrinsic worth of a thing;" late 14c., "degree to which something is useful or estimable," from Old French value "worth, price, moral worth; standing, reputation" (13c.), noun use of fem. past participle of valoir "be worth," from Latin valere"be strong, be well; be of value, be worth" (from PIE root *wal- "to be strong").Various approaches of Value theory examine how, why, and to what degree humans value things; whether the object or subject of valuing is a person, idea, object, or anything else. Within philosophy, it can be known as ethics or axiology. Early philosophical investigations, such as by Plato, sought to understand good and evil and the concept of "the good". Plato argued powerfully in favor of the objectivity of values such as truth, good, and beauty. Objective values are those that lie outside of the individual and are not dependent upon her/his perception or belief. Some philosophers theorize that all values are relative to individuals or groups. Some such relativists see truth and good as ideas that are created by the agreements of cultures. Other relativists argue that the truth of a claim depends upon the individual's perception (e.g. beauty is in the eye of the beholder). Some of the earliest relativists were the Sophists, many of whom figure as characters in Plato's dialogues arguing with Socrates. Plato, along with Socrates, opposed the Sophists and set out to refute relativism. [/oregonstate/edu/r19
== The Objectivity of Truth ==
The first major relativist philosopher was Protagoras (c.490 -- c.420 BCE). His book Truth contains his most famous statement; "Humans are the measure of all things." To measure something is to give it a value and Protagoras regarded all values - truth, good, beauty, even existence - as dependent upon the human observer. That is, the value of everything is relative to the observer.
Plato gives many arguments in opposition to Protagoras' radical relativism. The contest between these points of view continue to the present. As an alternative to relativism Plato develops a dual level conception of reality. We humans are limited in time and space, our perception and intellect are subject to error, our point of view limits what we can apprehend and understand. Still, even though it is out of our understanding, we can form concepts of the infinite, whole, eternal, true universe.
== Rhizomata ==
The Good; Morality; Moral outrage; Value outrage; Estimation; Categorization; Plato's moral theory
Valor; Welfare
Category:Morals