We explain the difference between principles and values, what they have in common, what types there are of each and various examples.
What is the difference between principles and values?
When it is commonly spoken of beginning and of valuesBoth notions are often confused, handling them as if they were equivalent. But these terms are not synonymous, although they are very close elements, linked to the field of ethics.
To distinguish them, let's start by understanding that the principles are rules or rules of a general and universal nature, intended to guide the conduct human towards him welfare and the developing. Is about propositions that contain numerous practical applications, which are also known as "maxims" in the case that they are of a subjective, and how "laws”If instead they are objective in nature.
Instead, the values are concepts, qualities or attributes that are perceived as positive or desirable within the framework of a culture, society or group determined human. This is because they are evaluations, that is, ways of judging or interpreting certain situations or concepts from a point of view moral or ethical. Thus, it is possible to speak of values of diverse type: social, religious, moral, civic, etc.
All the Humans We have values, although these may not be the same, and we are governed by a set of principles that may or may not be conscious and express. These two factors are what govern life in society.
On the one hand, principles regulate behavior and operate on individuals whether they are aware of them or not; and on the other hand, the specific values serve as an anchor to these principles in each specific aspect of the life of the persons.
In conclusion, the differences between principles and values can be summarized as:
| Beginning | Values |
|---|---|
| They are general and universal norms or mandates that govern human life. | They are desirable qualities or attributes in specific fields of culture and society. |
| They can be subjective (maxims) or objective (laws), depending on whether they come from inside or outside the individual. | They can be of a very diverse type, depending on the cultural factor to which they belong: religious, family, moral, etc. |
| They are determined by the historical evolution of society. | They exist to varying degrees in a society or even in an individual. |
| Examples of this are:
● The Liberty ● The Justice ● The equality ● The fraternity ● The autonomy of the countries | Examples of this are:
● Patriotism or love of country (political value) ● The rejection of premarital sex (religious value) ● Giving help to the sufferer (moral courage) ● Women should cover their hair with a veil (religious value) |