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Single Idea 18683

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / a. Nature of value ]

Full Idea

It is natural to assume that if we can compare two objects or states of affairs, X and Y, then X is either better than, or worse than, or as good as Y. This has been called the Trichotomy Thesis.

Gist of Idea

Trichotomy Thesis: comparable values must be better, worse or the same

Source

Francesco Orsi (Value Theory [2015], 6.2)

Book Ref

Orsi,Francesco: 'Value Theory' [Bloomsbury 2015], p.102

A Reaction

This is the obvious starting point for a discussion of the difficult question of the extent to which values can be compared. Orsi says even if there was only one value, like pleasure, it might have incommensurable aspects like duration and intensity.

The 14 ideas from 'Value Theory'

18666 Value-maker concepts (such as courageous or elegant) simultaneously describe and evaluate [Orsi]
18667 The '-able' concepts (like enviable) say this thing deserves a particular response [Orsi]
18672 Values from reasons has the 'wrong kind of reason' problem - admiration arising from fear [Orsi]
18668 Truths about value entail normative truths about actions or attitudes [Orsi]
18670 The Buck-Passing view of normative values says other properties are reasons for the value [Orsi]
18669 Values can be normative in the Fitting Attitude account, where 'good' means fitting favouring [Orsi]
18677 A thing may have final value, which is still derived from other values, or from relations [Orsi]
18680 To avoid misunderstandings supervenience is often expressed negatively: no A-change without B-change [Orsi]
18679 Things are only valuable if something makes it valuable, and we can ask for the reason [Orsi]
18682 A complex value is not just the sum of the values of the parts [Orsi]
18683 Trichotomy Thesis: comparable values must be better, worse or the same [Orsi]
18684 Rather than requiring an action, a reason may 'entice' us, or be 'eligible', or 'justify' it [Orsi]
18685 Final value is favoured for its own sake, and personal value for someone's sake [Orsi]
18686 The Fitting Attitude view says values are fitting or reasonable, and values are just byproducts [Orsi]