Meaning of universal values ​​(what they are, concept and definition)

What are Universal Values:

Universal values ​​are the set of characteristics and norms of coexistence of the human being considered as positive and valid qualities in a certain time. Human nature is often considered innate.

Universal values ​​are the subject of study of ethics, morals and philosophy. Specifically, axiology dedicates its study to values ​​and value judgments, as well as, human rights are also based on what is considered as universal values.

The concept of universal values ​​is broad and open to interpretation. Although they are values ​​that are given importance, each person usually prioritizes some of them according to their scale of values, especially when situations of conflict arise between various universal values.

Therefore, it is considered that universal values ​​define the attitudes of individuals to coexist harmoniously between family, friends, co-workers and other people.

See also:

• Values.Axiology.

Examples of universal values

In general, there are a number of qualities of the human being that are usually considered positive. Some of the universal values ​​can be respect, freedom, kindness, justice, equality, love, responsibility, honesty, solidarity, truth, courage, friendship, honor and peace.

A large number of these values ​​are related to each other and are given importance for their contribution to improving society and bringing dignity to the person. Likewise, universal values ​​can also be worked, learned and developed through education.

On the other hand, beyond the self-interest or the characteristics of each individual, universal values ​​are usually common in different cultures, so they can be shared and strengthened as people relate.

Universal values ​​and relative values

Universal values ​​refer to the positive qualities of the human being known and shared by various cultures. These values ​​seek to establish a harmonious behavior in society, beyond the fact that some values ​​may have more or less importance depending on the context and the situation.

For their part, relative values ​​are those that are not considered common in all societies and civilizations. They are subject to subjective evaluations, both from an individual point of view and from a certain culture.

On the other hand, relative values ​​are influenced by certain parameters such as culture or religion. Likewise, it is considered that the relative values ​​do not have much permanence in time, nor intensity or scope in society.

See also:

• Types of values: civic values.