The main differences between values ​​and principles, with examples

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

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 principles, using examples of each other with the purpose of clarifying a matter of great importance to understand what motivates people to act and feel in a certain way.

• Related article: "The 10 types of values: principles that govern our lives"

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 forum an ethical system from which we develop intra and interpersonal behaviors, being fundamental for the understanding of the goals that we forge as adequate. And although it may seem that they have an equivalence relationship, the truth is that they are clearly different.

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

Values

Values ​​have a deep subjective charge, and define the importance that each person attaches to specific aspects of life and/or their relationships with others. They are, for this reason, unique for each one. When conduct consistent with them is carried out, the person feels satisfied; but when they do not act according to what they propose, they experience intense affective discomfort. 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 largely depend on the context in which one lives. The education provided by both parents and the educational system, and also the precepts that emanate from religion or the legal framework, may have an influence on the values ​​that are definitively adopted as own. In any case cannot be understood as universal and immutable laws, but are subject to the historical moment and may vary.

Below we review the most relevant, summarized in general categories that include those that frequently occur together in the same individual.

1. industry

Industriousness is a value that is oriented to the field of work and the relationships that are established in it. it implies the willingness to develop relevant skills and abilities in the chosen professional field ("to be a good worker"). The people who make it their stronghold spend a lot of time in activities that are related to their since they consider that high productivity is the foundation that builds the perception they harbor about themselves same.

This dedication pursues the pursuit of excellence and is achievement oriented. industry implies a motivation towards autonomy, but it also tries to establish relationships of mutual growth when they are profitable (in economic terms and/or in acquiring influence).

2. Socialization and collaboration

Socialization is a value that implies a specific motivation to interact with other people, and to do so honestly, showing loyalty and a sense of cooperation. who hold it they seek to establish close relationships and make them a vehicle for their personal development, using balance and social reciprocity as basic tools. It supposes the belief that "unity is strength", but as long as the result of the synergies resonates in a shared benefit.

3. dedication and friendship

This value subsumes the willingness to give oneself to others, prioritize the well-being of those around one, and ensure their happiness. It supposes the antagonism of individualism and advocates directing efforts to satisfy the needs of the environment, beyond those that are their own.

In this regard, he adds the sense of altruism and the prosocial, since both seek to provide help in clear situations of need. Those who include this value in their repertoire experience other people's difficulties from compassion, which is why empathy is one of their central qualities.

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

4. openness and optimism

This value promotes an attitude of openness to the uncertainties of life, and a willingness to learn from the difficulties that the future may bring. It implies the vision of an existence focused on the present moment, which seeks stillness and calm as the bases through which to build stability of mind and body. It does not imply docility in the face of chance or the circumstances that have occurred by fate, but rather an optimistic position about what will happen.

This value supposes the search for positive emotions and the acceptance of the negative ones, which are raised 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 the effort. Associated with a sense of personal responsibility, not guilty, assuming their own acts as dependent on the will.

This way of understanding them endows a person with a great sense of control over their 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 pursuit.

6. respect and balance

Respect is a value consisting of protecting one's dignity as a human being and acting in the same way with respect to that of others, defending their own integrity and that of others against any attempt to humiliate or degradation. at this value attention to diversity is included and the consideration that rights or duties are common to all by the fact that they exist. In this way, a basic balance would be sought from which we would all be depositaries of an uncoercible honour.

• You may be interested in: "12 Examples of Morals and Ethics for everyday life"

Beginning

The principles connect directly with the values, although generally are translated into much more operational terms from which we can assess 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 align with it, such as "treating people kindly and honestly"; while if it is the dedication that has reserved a central position, we will consider as valid "not to exercise any form of violence on others".

As can be seen, they are presented in the form of specific behaviors that allow us to act in coherence with the values ​​that guide us, considering that to the extent that we adjust to them we will be able to act in a consistent manner with what we deem important. Therefore, they guide decisions about what we consider right or wrong, standing up as "laws" that govern the part of life that unfolds on a day-to-day basis and that has an impact on others.

The principles allude to much more basic and universal aspects than the values ​​themselves. These are essential issues that are part of the very nature of the human being, and that contrary to what has been stated regarding values, make up a set of rules shared by all societies (so the individual does not choose them deliberately).

Let us see below the great transversal principles, whose deep knowledge is basic to choose values ​​consistent with our authentic existential goals.

1. Life

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

This principle is, with absolute certainty, the most elementary of all those that will be described in what follows. In one way or another, the others are subsumed in it.

2. goodness and evil

The principle of good and evil is a dilemma inherent to the human condition. About him establishes what is correct and what is not correct for a specific society at a given moment, and it has been the scenario in which religion has traditionally been deployed (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 extremes of the balance concur in all cultures, only that they are explained in a different way.

3. Humanity

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

Every human is recognized as a creditor of the ability to reason, the right to seek happiness and the ability to express their uniqueness within the framework of coexistence.

4. Freedom

Freedom is a universal principle, through which It is expected that each human being can develop their maximum potential and express their individuality. without pressure or limitations. It is associated with the possibility of choosing what is considered appropriate for oneself from among all the options available, to the extent that the rights of other people who may be involved in the decision. Freedom is also linked to the responsibility to assume the errors that derive from the acts.

Human societies may reserve the extraordinary resource of depriving a subject of his freedom 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 they come from, their circumstances or his beliefs, he has a symmetrical relationship with respect to others in relation to the rights that protect him and the duties that they are required. So vehemently Any discriminatory act based on sex, appearance, ethnicity, sexual orientation is considered unfair., creed or health condition.

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

Bibliographic 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. Springer Briefs in Research and Innovation Governance. Springer, Cham.