Single Idea 20145

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / c. Purpose of ethics]

Full Idea

Values are ...an attempt to cope with contingencies by making the connection between our well-being and actions less contingent and more within our control.

Gist of Idea

Values help us to control life, by connecting it to what is stable and manageable

Source

John Kekes (The Human Condition [2010], Intro)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'The Human Condition' [OUP 2010], p.4


A Reaction

This sounds more like principles than values, since the former tell you what to do, but a value in itself is just a picture of possibilities.