Part 2: Applied Axiological Principles

Welcome

Welcome back. In the previous lesson, we presented two core principles of formal axiology: the Formal Definition of Good, and the three dimensions of value that form the Hierarchy of Value.

We're now going to explore some principles of applied axiology—where we build on these formal principles in ways that bring them more fully, rationally, and experientially into our everyday lives and work.

Another Look at "Good"

First, let's revisit the definition of "good."

Again, Dr. Hartman's original formal definition states that a thing is good to the degree that it has all the properties (or attributes) required to fulfill its concept or definition.

Inherent in any concept is a purpose. For example, the most common purpose of a chair is to safely hold a person at about knee height and provide a sturdy back to lean on. The chair's purpose can only be fulfilled if it possesses all the attributes required to do so.

So another useful way to define and think about "good" is this: A thing is good to the degree that it has all the attributes required to fulfill its definition and its purpose.

Thinking about goodness through the lens of purpose and attributes helps us see that each attribute or part of a thing has its own purpose in adding value to the whole. For example, the back of the chair gives it the valuable feature of "a sturdy back to lean on."

This applied axiological definition of good can be applied—almost intuitively—to everything: from an idea or strategy, to building a house, preparing a meal, composing an email, raising children, designing laws and policies, hiring employees, or purchasing a car. Essentially, everything.

If you reflect deeply, you won't find a single thing in your life or world where this definition is not objectively true and applicable.

To apply this definition, simply ask yourself: Does this thing have all the attributes required to fulfill its purpose? Of course, this also requires that you be clear about the purpose of the thing to begin with, if you want to arrive at a sound answer.

Another Look at the Hierarchy of Value

Now, let's revisit the Hierarchy of Value—this time not only from the perspective of attribute complexity, but from the perspective of quality of life as well.

To illustrate this principle, let's use true love as our example.

The idea of true love is important, but it's only an idea—an abstract systemic concept. As a systemic concept, we either grasp it or we don't. Even if we do, the idea alone doesn't add much to the quality of life.

Especially when compared to true love in action and behavior (extrinsic), which has both greater complexity and greater value in terms of enhancing quality of life.

But the intrinsic experience of truly loving and feeling truly loved—like life itself—has immeasurable attributes and is infinitely, irreplaceably priceless. In a real sense, it defines the quality of life.

What we can see, then, is a direct correlation between increasing complexity of attributes and enhanced quality of life.

As we move up the hierarchy from systemic to extrinsic to intrinsic, the greater the complexity, the greater the capacity for things in each dimension to enrich quality of life.

Because of this direct correlation, from an applied axiology perspective, we can think about value not only as a function of degrees of complexity, but as the capacity to enhance quality of life.

However, there is an important caveat: the formal hierarchy of value teaches us that when we think about quality of life, we must consider quality of life for all concerned, not just ourselves.

So here is the full principle for making sound value judgments from an applied axiological perspective:

A thing has value to the degree that it has the capacity to enhance quality of life for all stakeholders.