Are Values Inborn or Taught?
The question of whether values are inborn or taught is a complex and multifaceted one. This inquiry cannot be fully answered through theoretical frameworks alone, but rather by examining the historical and moral consequences of the value systems that emerged in the 20th century. A reasonable definition of values is a set of guiding principles that help us act in accordance with a highest ideal, influencing our moral and meaningful actions.
Historical Context
The shift from a mythical universe to a scientific one significantly altered how values and morals were perceived. In the 20th century, our reverence for religious morals and values, based on metaphysical assumptions, was supplanted by a scientific universe dominated by materialism. With the 'death of God', or the collapse of Judeo-Christian moral systems, a moral vacuum emerged. This shift was a significant concern for philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who predicted a period of moral and psychological collapse.
Nietzsche’s Prediction
Nietzsche thought that the collapse of traditional moral values would lead to two undesirable extremes: nihilism and totalitarian ideologies. Nihilism rejects the notion that life has any value or meaning, while totalitarian ideologies assert their own meanings as the sole valid interpretation. According to Nietzsche, such a moral relativism could lead to moral decay, world wars, and ultimately the annihilation of the human race. The subsequent events of the 20th century, including the rise of ideologies, the Cold War, and the development of more destructive weapons, seem to align with his predictions.
Modern Ideologies and Moral Values
After the collapse of religious beliefs, new ideologies and political utopias emerged, aiming to solve world problems without self-reflection. These ideologies, such as Marxism and Fascism, led to mass violence and the totalitarization of societies. This period highlighted the dangers of moral and ideological extremism and the need for more balanced and inclusive values.
Religion and Moral Values
Religion has both theoretical and practical dimensions. While religious beliefs offer metaphysical explanations, they also serve as moral value systems that provide a sense of purpose and community. These systems help individuals navigate a complex and often confusing world. However, as Nietzsche and others suggest, the collapse of traditional religious values has left a void in moral guidance, leading to a search for new values.
Carl Jung's Perspective
Carl Jung, a psychoanalyst and one of Nietzsche’s admirers, believed that the search for meaning and values should focus on the psyche rather than external phenomena. He proposed delving into the collective unconscious, where values, myths, and rituals originate. By uncovering these values, we can better understand our shared humanity and the inherent values that unite us.
Stories as a Source of Values
Stories, particularly those with deep mythological and cultural roots, offer a bridge between the individual and the collective. They can provide a common framework of values that transcend religious or cultural boundaries. For example, the tale of forbidden love found in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and the film Titanic resonates with universal human experiences and values. The Bible, deeply influenced by these earlier mythological stories, continues to shape Western moral values, even among non-religious individuals.
The Role of Science and Values
Science cannot provide a complete ethical framework. While it explains the 'what', it cannot tell us the 'why' of certain moral actions or beliefs. Therefore, science alone is insufficient for guiding our moral and ethical choices. We need values to act on, and these values often come from a combination of cultural heritage, personal experiences, and communal traditions.
Conclusion
The question of whether values are inborn or taught is not a binary one. It is a complex interplay between our innate predispositions and the cultural and social environment in which we live. Values are both a result of our evolutionary history and a product of our cultural and intellectual development. Understanding this interplay is crucial for navigating the moral challenges of the modern world.