BELIEFS AND VALUES

By: Susanne EngelkingSpeech 104

Professor Jim MarteneyFeb 2, 2010

• Beliefs represent all that we know about people, events, and the bits of information in out lives, We have selected our beliefs from all that we have been exposed to in our world.

BELIEFS

•Some beliefs have more salience than others – that is they stand out

from the rest, and make us who we are.

A SUBSET OF BELIEFS ARE VALUES

• Values are enduring – they are learned very early in life and are shared by family, community and cultures. Many values have been passed down from generation to

generation.

VALUES

• Values lack flexibility – They are absolute, usually all or nothing. They are categorized as good, bad, right or wrong. People are willing to die for values such

as freedom and religion.

HOW ARE VALUES LEARNED?

THE FOUR METODS OF TEACHING VALUES

• Moralizing: Values are transferred from a parent or parent figure to a child.

• Modeling: A parent is a model for the acceptable values of the child.

• Experimenting: The process of discovering values through trial and error. Life experiences

• Clarification: Positive and negative aspects are discovered, then choices to accept or reject the value.

WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES?

MILTON ROKEACH’S

INSTRUMENTAL VALUESWAYS OF LIVING A DAY-TO-DAY LIFE

• Ambitious• Broadminded• Capable• Cheerful• Clean • Courageous• Forgiving• Helpful• Honest• Imaginative • Independent • Intellectual • Logical• Loving• Obedient• Polite• Responsible• Self-controlled

MILTON ROKEACH’S

TERMINAL VALUESMAJOR GOALS IN LIFE

• A Comfortable life • An exciting life• Accomplishment• A world at peace• A world of beauty• Equality• Family security• Freedom• Happiness• Inner harmony• Mature love• Security• Leisure • Salvation• Self-Respect• Social recognition• True friendship• Wisdom

• The values that we possess add meaning and depth to our life. They can guide us through troubled times

and lead us to times of profound happiness and contentment.

• Values are a source of peace and solitude in our life. They anchor us and help us to navigate our world.