Meaning of Relative Values (What they are, Concept and Definition)

What are Relative Values:

Relative values are those whose meanings vary based on different circumstances and contexts in which an individual develops. They are values ​​that are not conditioned to a fixed and invariable structure.

Relative values are not common in all societies and differ from one person to another based on their nationality, religion, social class, culture, educational level, age, experiences, among others.

Likewise, they are related to relativism or moral relativism, a term in which moral values ​​are considered to be changing over time according to the circumstances and the environment in which a person develops.

There are those who affirm that relative values ​​are not universal and doubt their existence because they do not start from the understanding of a common idea shared by all people, beyond the cultural, religious, political, or language differences that exist.

In general terms, all people know how to discern between acts that are considered good or bad, this is due to a series of moral and ethical values ​​that have been pre-established in all societies.

However, given certain scenarios, the positive or negative meaning of some acts can change based on a series of arguments and logical reasoning.

Examples of relative values

For example, cooperation is a value that consists of carrying out work together with other people who share the same goal, such as raising funds for an animal shelter that needs food and medicine.

But not all cases of cooperation have good intentions, we can also talk about those who cooperate with groups of bandits to whom they provide information about where or from whom they can rob and strip their belongings.

In both cases, the idea of ​​working together through cooperation is carried out, a value that all people know how to recognize. However, from this point of view, cooperation is a relative value that can be used for something good or bad.

Therefore, relative values ​​are variables, with the aim of being applied in the best way according to the circumstances, hence they differ from other types of values.

Likewise, moral behaviors are variable depending on the scenario where they are applied, so what may be positive for some, will be negative for others according to their customs.

Other examples of relative values ​​are solidarity, honesty, justice, tolerance, cooperation, respect for life, among others.

 

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