The main differences between values and principles, with examples.

Summary of the differences between principles and values embodied in society.

It is not at all uncommon for many words in our language to end up being used as if they were synonymous concepts, despite the fact that there are often key nuances that differentiate them and give them a distinctive value.

A clear example of this can be found in the assumption of values and principles, since both allude to guides and heuristics through which every human being conducts himself in society.

In this article we will delve into the differences between values and principlesIn this article we will delve into the differences between values and principles, using examples of one and the other in order to clarify an issue of great importance to understand what motivates people to act and feel in a certain way.

Differences between values and principles

Both values and principles summarize ideal, intangible concepts that are closely related to the way we feel and act.

We all harbor in our inner selves an ethical system from which we develop our intra and interpersonal behaviors.These are fundamental to the understanding of the goals we forge as appropriate. And although it may seem that they keep a relationship of equivalence, the truth is that they are clearly different.

In the following we proceed to define each one of them, proposing examples that facilitate the understanding of their differences.

Values

Values are highly subjective and delimit the importance that each person attaches to them. values are highly subjective and define the importance that each person attaches to specific aspects of life and/or his or her relationships with others. and/or their relationships with others. For this reason, they are unique to each person. When a conduct consistent with them is carried out, the person feels satisfied; but when one does not act according to what they propose, he/she experiences an intense affective dissatisfaction. They are generally abstract elements, as we will see later, and can be modified over the years.

Values are usually acquired from early childhood and are imbued with tremendous social and cultural connotations, since they depend to a large extent on the context in which one lives. The education provided by both parents and the educational system, as well as the precepts emanating from religion or the legal framework, can have an influence on the values that are definitively adopted as one's own. In any case cannot be understood as universal and immutable laws, but are subject to the historical moment.They are subject to the historical moment and may vary.

The following is a summary of the most relevant ones, summarized in general categories that include those that frequently occur together in the same individual.

Industriousness

Industriousness is a value oriented to the work environment and the relationships established therein. It implies the will to develop relevant skills and abilities in the chosen professional field ("being a good worker"). ("being a good worker"). People who make it their bastion dedicate a great deal of time to activities related to their job, as they consider that high productivity is the foundation that builds the perception they have of themselves.

This dedication pursues the pursuit of excellence and is achievement-oriented. Industriousness implies a drive for autonomyThe company also seeks to establish relationships of mutual growth when they are profitable (in economic terms and/or in terms of acquiring influence).

Socialization and collaboration

Socialization is a value that implies a concrete motivation to relate to other people, and to do so honestly, showing loyalty and a sense of cooperation. Those who possess it seek to build close relationships and make them a vehicle for their personal development, using balance and cooperation as basic tools.It is a basic tool for personal development, using balance and social reciprocity as basic tools. It assumes the belief that "unity is strength", but only if the result of synergies resonates in a shared benefit.

3. Dedication and friendship

This value subsumes the willingness to devote oneself to others, to prioritize the welfare of those around one and to ensure their happiness. It presupposes the antagonism of individualism and advocates directing efforts towards satisfying the needs of the environment, beyond those of the company itself.beyond our own needs.

In this regard, it adds the sense of altruism and prosociality, since both are concerned with providing help in clear situations of need. Those who include this value in their repertoire experience the difficulties of others with compassion, making empathy one of their central qualities.

It is a value characterized by the deliberate search for kindness and gentleness in social relationships, which is why it particularly strongly emphasizes the role of friendship and advocates relationships in which there is no hint of violence or coercion. Generosity, as well as an intense desire to share what one has or what one knows, are the most obvious signs of friendship.are the most obvious signs that it is part of a human being's system.

4. Openness and optimism

This value promotes an attitude of openness to the uncertainties of life, and a willingness to learn from the difficulty that the future may bring.and a willingness to learn from the difficulty that the future may bring. It implies the vision of an existence centered in the present moment, which seeks stillness and calm as the basis on which to build stability of mind and body. It does not imply docility in the face of chance or circumstances brought about by fate, but an optimistic stance on what is to come.

This value supposes the search for positive emotions and the acceptance of the negative ones, which stand as legitimate experiences subject to transience.

5. Constancy

Constancy is a value associated with the struggle to achieve one's goals despite the impediments that may arise over time, without giving up. It is associated with a sense of personal responsibilityIt is associated with a sense of personal responsibility, not guilt, assuming one's actions as dependent on one's own will.

This way of understanding them endows the person with a great sense of control over his or her individual circumstances.. This internal attribution contributes to keep alive the effort to develop potentialities, and also to take charge of internal experiences.

Patience is also a key component of this value, understood as the ability to delay receiving rewards and/or to actively persevere in their pursuit.

6. Respect and balance

Respect is a value that consists of protecting one's own dignity as a human being and acting equally with respect to that of others, defending one's own and others' integrity against any attempt to humiliate or degrade them. This value includes attention to diversity and the consideration that rights or duties are common to all by the fact of existing. Thus, a basic balance would be sought from which we would all be depositaries of an incoercible honor.

Principles

Principles are directly connected with values, although they are generally are translated into much more operative terms from which we can evaluate the consequences of our own actions.

For example, if one of the values on which we base our lives is respect, we will forge principles that are aligned with it, such as "treat people in a kind and honest manner"; while if it is dedication that has a central position, we will consider as valid "not to exercise any form of violence on others".

As can be seen, these are presented in the form of specific behaviors that allow us to act in coherence with our guiding valuesIt is considered that to the extent that we conform to them we will be able to act consistently with what we deem important. Therefore, they guide decisions about what we consider right or wrong, standing as "laws" that govern the part of life that unfolds on a daily basis and that has an impact on others.

Principles allude to aspects that are much more basic and universal than values themselves. They are essential issues that are part of the very nature of human beings, and contrary to what is said about values, they are a set of rules shared by all societies (so they are not deliberately chosen by the individual).

The following are the main cross-cutting principlesThe deep knowledge of which is basic to choose values congruent with our authentic existential goals.

Life

The right to life is a universal principle shared by all organized human societies, to the point that they tend to contemplate its potential violation in the legal system that articulates the laws and norms that promote coexistence.It is a universal principle shared by all organized human societies, to the point that they often contemplate its potential violation in the legal system that articulates the laws and norms that promote coexistence. In such a case, it is explicitly stated that the very fact of existing merits guarantees aimed at safeguarding dignity, physical or emotional integrity; and the possibility of accessing all the development opportunities that time and place allow (education, health, etc.).

This principle is certainly the most elementary of all those that will be described below. In one way or another, the others are subsumed in it.

2. Good and evil

The principle of good and evil is a dilemma inherent to the human condition. On it stands what is right and what is wrong. what is right and what is wrong for a given society at a given moment in time.It has been the setting in which religion has traditionally unfolded (taking advantage of the space on which emotion and behavior are built).

Also the practical aspects of philosophy, such as ethics, have sought a universal delimitation of these opposites. Thus, both ends of the scale concur in all cultures, only they are explained in a different way.

3. Humanity

The principle of humanity is that by means of which a person is distinguished from the rest of the animals that populate the earth, assigning to each one the attributes that characterize him as a member of his very extensive fraternity. It supposes the implicit recognition of that which differentiates it from the rest.but at the same time attributing to it the condition of absolute equality, belonging and assimilation.

Every human being is recognized as having the capacity to reason, the right to seek happiness and the ability to express his or her uniqueness within the framework of coexistence.

4. Freedom

Freedom is a universal principle, by means of which that every human being can develop his or her full potential and express his or her individuality without pressure or limitations. It is associated with the possibility of choosing what one considers appropriate for oneself from among all the options available, insofar as the rights of others who may be involved in the decision are safeguarded. Freedom is also linked to the responsibility to assume the errors arising from one's actions.

Human societies may reserve the extraordinary remedy of depriving a subject of his liberty at the moment he commits acts contrary to any of the principles that have been described so far, being one of the most severe penalties that can be applied.

5. Equality

The principle of equality is based on the conviction that every human being, regardless of where he comes from, his circumstances or his beliefs, has a symmetrical relationship with respect to others in terms of the rights that protect him and the duties that are required of him. Thus, any discriminatory act is vehemently any discriminatory act based on sex, appearance, ethnicity, sexual orientation, creed or health condition is considered unjust.or creed, or health condition.

Equality is an ideal principle to which all of society aspires, although it is not always easy to achieve. The very roles assigned to one or the other according to different attributes (sex, place of origin, aptitudes, etc.) restrict opportunities for development according to arbitrary criteria. The struggle for equality is the everlasting claim of human groups that perceive themselves to be oppressed or hurt.

Bibliographical references:

• Henry, B.C. (2013). The Philosophy of Meaning and Value. Journal of Science and Technology, 3(6), 593-597.
• Schroeder D., Chatfield K., Singh M., Chennells R., Herissone-Kelly P. (2019). The Four Values Framework: Fairness, Respect, Care and Honesty. In: Equitable Research Partnerships. SpringerBriefs in Research and Innovation Governance. Springer, Cham.