The term ‘Value’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘Valere’. ‘Valere’ in English means ‘ability’ ‘utility’ importance’. All these terms explain the word ‘value’. Therefore, if we look at all these words together, the literal meaning of ‘value’ is that: on the basis of which we assess the qualities, merit or importance of any person, object or any subtle entity, emotion, thought etc.
In the short meaning of value, we can say that value is any definite measure of ability, quality, specialty or efficiency by a society or by self. About values, it can also be said that values cannot be taught or learnt, rather they are adopted. Value is really a subject of ethics. The process of incorporating ‘values’ into ethics begins with family and parents through the socialization process of the child. The values in children are determined by the cultural and spiritual values of the family. Child’s values are formed by family activities. Values are also related to the needs, desires and motivations of a child or an individual.
Many scholars gave their views in the relation to value, whose study will help us a lot in making our concept about value:
- According to Clyde Kluckhohn – “Value is the expressed or unexpressed idea of an individual or group which affects the selection of the means and goals of action.”
- According to Radhakamal Mukherjee– “Values can be defined as those desires and goals approved by the society which are imbibed by the process of contracting, learning or socialization and which are transformed into individual standards and needs.”
- According to Manny (2005), “In the context of country, time, situation, common values become ‘values.’ Values, attitudes and ideals dictate our behavior.”
- According to Bardy – “Appropriateness or the ability to be chosen is value.”
If we analyze these thoughts or statements deeply, we will find that in reality values are the ideals of the society, which control the behavior of human daily life, and encourage the person to live a moderate life. These values are both spiritual and temporal. But it is also worth considering here that not only the society but the person also determines the value for himself. Value in its broader meaning is a code of ethics (written or accepted legislation) of the individual’s thought, conduct and behavior, which a person uses according to his values and environment for achieving his determined goals on the basis of the structure of life. He uses this structure to develop his personality. In reality, Molly are those standards or codes of conduct of the ethics that are derived from culture, nurtured by social traditions and protected by conscience.
