It is useful to summarize the approach outlined in the previous note, in relation to what follows, in terms of a distinction between levels.

1. Word level

1. Methodological bias

As has been frequently noted, there is a very extensive literature on values, with many books on single values such as justice, love, or peace. Such studies will continue to be produced in quantity. Despite the possible resulting distortion, the bias here is to focus on sets and systems of values, endeavouring to identify the individual values which might form part of any comprehensive collection of values.

This section provides commentaries on method related to the Human Values and Wisdom area of the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential

Related Sections

• 3.1 Method: approach
• 3.2 Method: distinction between levels
• 3.3 Method: values classification

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1. Multiplicity of definitions

It could be said that there are various kinds of confusion about human values:

1. What are values?

This section provides commentaries on defining values related to the Human Values and Wisdom area of the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential

Related Sections

• 2.1 Value confusion
• 2.2 Definitions

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1. Previous editions of this Encyclopedia

For the values section of the first edition of this book, prepared during the period 1972-76, efforts were made to trace comprehensive listings of values. Those that were found were either very short or explicitly oriented to one country. This situation had not changed at the time of preparation of the second edition (1983-86).

2. World Order Models Project

The importance of values is frequently cited in relation to the global problematique, whether it be in debates in international assemblies, in studies criticizing "value-free" approaches to research, or in discussion of quality of life and individual fulfilment. Values are deemed especially important in questions of cultural development and are central to concern for the preservation of cultural heritage.

1. Problems and values

1. Intent

(a) Identify a wide range of concepts which may be termed human values as a preliminary to determining their relationship to one another, to entries in other sections of this publications, but specially to world problems which their recognition makes evident.

(b) Provide sufficient contextual material on each value to give an understanding of the associated conceptual domain.

This section provides commentaries on significance related to the Human Values and Wisdom area of the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential

Related Sections

• 1.1 Significance and intent
• 1.2 Importance of values
• 1.3 Previous, parallel and related initiatives

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