(A 2nd) Pithy Saying of the Day
Oct 23rd, 2007 by Micah Tillman | 5 Comments |
Value flows.*
(Background [sort of] here, and here.)
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*Things that become valuable to (or for) something (or someone) that already has value gain value. Value can be presented as flowing from the valuable thing (or person) into the thing valued.
(The question then becomes: Where did the valuing thing get its value? What is the source of value? Is there one? If not, there is no such thing as value.)
This helps to explain Kant’s assertion that inclinations must be left out of morality (see his Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals), if you care. (This doesn’t mean Kant was right; it just would help you understand him; if you cared.)
PS Today we got 304 views!!! That’s 119 more than yesterday. And yesterday was a record. I have no idea what’s going on, but I am very grateful to you all for stopping by!
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“(The question then becomes: Where did the valuing thing get its value? What is the source of value? Is there one? If not, there is no such thing as value.)”
What if value is not added from a source, but created? I don’t really understand why this is problematic.
That would be an option. I don’t know what it would mean to create value, but maybe you can give me an example.
I do not have my resources available (since I’ve been on the road for almost two weeks now) to give you a complete answer to this question but I’ll give you an abbreviated version (from memory)
God, by nature of being God, is the most valuable entity (if He wasn’t, then He wouldn’t be God and something or someone else would). The things (entities, concepts, truths, morals, etc.) that God values therefore are valuable. Entities that are capable of valuing things have been given some degree of value by being valued by God and can therefore convey value to those things they value.
Interestingly, this is the source of our idolatry because as we value things that are other than God more than we value God, we have made them our god and therefore idols. (I am correct in using the pronoun “we” because this condition is true of all humanity and even all fallen entities)
Tim–
I totally agree. God plays the role in (my) value theory terms of the “Prime Valuer.” God is both the ultimate source of value and a valuer.
I find it interesting to find the Prime Valuer/Value in different belief systems. It helps you clarify how people think about the world.
I’m looking forward to hearing what pdxstudent has to say about “creating value,” however. That should throw some interesting light on the subject.
[...] (The other two being here and here.) [...]