The Symbolic Nature of Values

This article discusses the concepts of values and symbol, reveals their ontological connection. A symbol is an object with some special value. This relationship has not been clearly marked so far. However, the value can be considered as an object that has some special signifi cance. The author analyzes the hierarchical value system and the possibility of inversions in this hierarchy.

The inversions in a hierarchical system represent some contradictions between the organizational principles. The inversions in the structure of values are caused by the contradiction between the constitutional and majority principles. The constitutional principle means that the highest position in the hierarchy belongs to prosocial values. According to the majority principle, the highest position in the hierarchy should take those values that are acceptable to the greatest number of people. The prosocial values should be acceptable for most people. If the majority adheres only to individual, anti-social values, such a society is threatened by disintegration.

The article shows the relationship between the concepts “symbol” and “sacred” through the concept of “value”. It is also shown that these three concepts form a coherent hierarchical system. The separation of the “sacred” is a necessary stage of the development of human thinking. For this reason, the concept of “sacred” can be transformed, but cannot disappear from the mass consciousness.

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