Q&A: What Is a Value?
What Is a Value?
Question
I keep seeing in Leibowitz’s writings the use of the concept of value, as well as value judgment, which stems from a person’s will. I’d be glad for an answer about both of them 🙁
1) What is the definition of a value?
Leibowitz also claims that this stems from a voluntary decision, so my question is:
2) What does a voluntary decision stem from, and how does he define will?
Answer
1. A value is a principle that assigns value/weight to actions. There is a fundamental value to life, and therefore there is a severe prohibition against murder.
2. A voluntary decision does not determine values. Good and evil are a given (from the Holy One, blessed be He; see column 456–7). The voluntary decision is whether to do good or evil. It does not stem from anywhere in the causal sense (and that is why it is a decision).