terminal value: a value based on a decision to choose one
end-state of existence in favor of another, that is, quality of life versus
sanctity of life.
instrumental value: a decision to choose one mode of conduct,
e.g., honesty, cooperation, self-control, over another.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN VALUES
1. Values are often vaguely defined by an individual.
2. Values are often defined in terms of concepts.
3. Values support individual needs. An individual tries to satisfy those needs through
actions consistent with a particular value.
4. Values are often acted upon to satisfy the individual's need for security, stability,
control, and respect for his or her rights as a human being.
5. Values change as needs and circumstances change.
6. Values may be internalized through learning or adopted as a result of life
experiences.
Figure 2-1. Characteristics of human values.
c. Beliefs. A belief is the conviction that something is true. The most important
characteristics of a belief is that the believer considers it to be true, whether or not it is,
in fact, true. Where as values are dynamic, having a role to play in decisions and future
choices and "applying to a wide variety of situations and activities, beliefs only apply to
specific statements of fact. If the statement of fact changes, the belief statement of fact
changes. A value can remain the same while growing and developing through a great
variety of activities and situations."3
belief:
the conviction that something is
true. Beliefs are expressions
of what people think about an issue, object or a person. We all tend to
feel that what we believe is true!
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