Max Scheler Theory of Values - Research Paper Example

Philosophy Philosophy Introduction The theory of values by Max Scheler acknowledges that there can be either positive values or negative values. The theory emphasizes the importance of positive values over the negative values. According to Frings (2003), these values are arranged in an order of importance, where the highest ranked values are those that are more binding than the lower ranked values. The five ranks of values include;Holy versus the unholyAccording to Kelly (1997), even those who are not believers understand that humanity is ruled by some supernatural force.

This universal acceptance is the reason why this takes position as the highest ranked value of Scheler.Values of the spirit versus the oppositeThis is the second highest ranked value that encourages truth among people. Here, the truth is the positive value, which is crucial among all people while falsehood is a disvalue. Individuals will be at liberty to choose either, but it is better to choose to be truthful than the opposite.Noble versus the vulgarThis value encourages people to treat others with respect and nobility.

By so doing, there will be more good than evil in the society. Being vulgar on the other end is a negative value that leads to negativity in the society.Pleasure versus disvalues of painThese values directly relate to the feeling of human being. Many individuals choose to offer pleasure to others, which is a positive value as compared to causing pain on others. Individuals are encouraged to avoid causing pain on others.Agreeable versus disvalues of disagreeableThese values provide comfort to human beings and enable them to live in harmony.

This is the lowest ranked value of Scheler. Individuals are at liberty to choose what they want, though it encourages choosing what is agreeable to others rather than the disagreeable.ConclusionAccording to Scheler (1987), people can be said to be good if they decide to choose the positive values over the negative values, regardless of the situation at hand. There can be no measure to rank individuals as good or bad when they alternate good and bad behaviour, therefore individuals should always choose to do well.

ReferencesFrings, M. (2003) Lifetime: Max Schelers philosophy of time: a first inquiry and presentation Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic PublishersKelly, E. (1997). Structure and diversity: Studies in the phenomenological philosophy of Max Scheler. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic.Scheler, M. (1987) Person and Self-Value: Three Essays. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.