Principles or Values
A friend has begun to write a Declaration of Principles for a group that he co-leads. I have done something similar when writing my Charter for Advocates for Civil Society.
Word clarity is essential for meaningful dialogue.
I thought that the words ‘principles’ and ‘values’ were essentially interchangeable. I discovered that I was wrong after I asked BingChat to define and distinguish both. The results follow.
“Both principles and values are important concepts that guide our behavior and decision-making. However, they have distinct meanings and applications.
Values refer to the beliefs and attitudes that are important to us. They are the standards that we consider to be of great worth and significance. Values are deeply ingrained in our psyche and are often shaped by our upbringing, culture, and experiences. They help us determine what is right or wrong, good or bad, important or unimportant. Our values guide our decisions, actions, and behaviors, and they play a significant role in defining our identity and character.
On the other hand, principles are the fundamental truths or rules that govern our behavior and actions. They are the guidelines that we follow to achieve our goals and objectives. Principles are universal and timeless, and they apply to all aspects of our lives. They are based on logic, reason, and empirical evidence, and they help us make informed decisions and judgments. Principles are the foundation of ethics, morality, and justice, and they provide a framework for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
While values and principles are closely related, they are not the same. Values are subjective and personal, while principles are objective and universal. Values are based on emotions and feelings, while principles are based on logic and reason. Values are flexible and can change over time, while principles are immutable and enduring.”
Spitting hairs?
I now wonder if anything can be identified as a principle.
According to BingChat’s explanation, the criteria for being a principle seems impossible to meet. I cannot think of any subject that is: wholly logical without some element of emotions and feelings; immutable and enduring; objective and universal.
Principle or value - which is it?
God exists.
The sun always rises.
Evil exists.
Parents love their children.
Common sense.
The greater good.
I think, therefore I am.
The universe is made of atoms.
Time never stands still.
Your thoughts?
I wonder how my readers will identify each of the concepts listed above. Choose between ‘principle’, ‘value’ or ‘other’. Feel free to comment
> God exists.
Neither. It's a question for science - after the word is defined - it's either a fact or falsehood, not a "foundational guideline". (For example, if we're talking about a "god" who's "son" was born to a virgin, versus some completely unspecified entity that created this universe, etc.) Although "god" did give us (often conflicting) laws, "he" also gave us free will with which to choose which ones to follow.
> The sun always rises.
Ditto.
> Evil exists.
Ditto, with the additional note that first morality (good/evil) has to be explicitly defined, eg. via it's accordance to the NAP (Universally Preferrable Behavior).
> Parents love their children.
Ditto - both in terms of the low-level bio-chemical oxytocin bonding parents are wired to have, and in terms of the higher level reflex to virtues.
> Common sense.
Ditto - this would be more of a question for statistics/sampling, after the parameter to measure is well defined.
> The greater good.
Value.
> I think, therefore I am.
Neither - this is just logic/tautology.
> The universe is made of atoms.
Same as the first, a question for science.
> Time never stands still.
Neither - logical tautology. Or, actually, just a nonsense statement.
This level of thoughtful reflection is needed if we are to regain our footing. This short read will contribute greatly to my thinking on the matter of principles and values.