Dr. Hartman discovered three different types or classes of concepts. Since concepts are the measure of value, these three types of concepts define three dimensions of value. The distinguishing feature of each type of concept is the number of properties which it takes to fulfill its definition. The following table illustrates the dimensions of value.
HVP = Hartman Value Profile Description
Intrinsic Value
Personal or spiritual value; defined by an infinite number of properties or value which can be valued in an infinite number of ways.
Description
Personal, individual value; the value of a person or thing in itself; the infinite, irreplaceable, worth of individuals; value of identification, of individuality.
Illustration
Wife, son, my love, my son
HVP
Empathy and Self Esteem
What is Valued
The thing itself, in its' own unique individuality.
Extrinsic Value
Practical or situational value; defined by finite, descriptive properties which can be compared in an infinite number of ways
Description
Abstract concepts; value of comparison, class membership or things as members of groups, concrete things; the value of good, better or best; practical, material; functional values; material values in general.
Illustration
Good cook, good guitar player
HVP
Practical Judgment and Role Awareness
What is Valued
Whether a thing belongs to a certain class of other like things
Systemic Value
Conceptual or theoretical value; defined by a finite number of properties
Description
Constructs of the mind, ideas; the value of perfections, black and white thinking; consistency, order, logical deduction, conformity; authority; applies to anything that is part of a system.
Illustration
Housewife, legal heir, geometric figures
HVP
System Judgment and Self Direction
What is Valued
Whether the thing measures up, fits a preconceived mold
FURTHER READING ON AXIOLOGY
- Axiology; The Science of Human Values
- The Hartman Value Profile
- The Science of Value
- The Science of Axiology
- Dr. Robert S. Hartman: The Founder of Modern Axiology
- Value Mathematics
- Measuring Intangibles
- The Importance of Value and Valuing
- Conflicts and Conflict Resolution
- Key Features of Value Science
- The Value Profile Instruments
- The Dimensions of Value
These three dimensions of value form the apex of our valuing process. Within these dimensions are subsidiary values which correspond to the distinct value capacities in each of us. To the degree that we develop our value capacities we live in harmony with the world and with ourselves. However, to the degree that we do not develop these capacities, we live in confusion and under tension because either our vision of the world or our vision of ourselves or both is out of focus.
The Hartman Value Profile, as well as all other value profiles within this system, is composed out of the relationships of the three value dimensions. Each item in the profile is a mathematical formula in value mathematics. There are 18 items because the system of axiology dictates that there be 18 items.
The following explanation illustrates why there are 18 items on any value profile within our systems. Each value dimension can be valued by all three value dimensions including itself. There are two general ways this valuation can occur: (1) a value dimension can be valued positively (a composition) or (2) a value dimension can be valued negatively (a transposition). The following table illustrates the positive and negative combinations.
| Compositions | Transpositions |
|---|---|
| Intrinsic Positive Valuation: means to identify with, to love; to accept; to create a totally new value in | Intrinsic Disvaluation: means to hate, despise, to destroy totally |
| Extrinsic Positive Valuation: means to make better; to be practical, functional, to be good for | Extrinsic Disvaluation: means to decrease, to detract from, to make nonfunctional or impractical |
| Systemic Positive Valuation: means to make meaningful; to give order and consistency; to create logic | Systemic Disvaluation: means to make meaningless; to be nonsense; to put in disorder; to create chaos |
If we allow a letter to represent each value dimension then I=Intrinsic Value, E=Extrinsic Value and S=Systemic Value. The next table illustrates value compositions and value transpositions for the intrinsic dimension.
| Compositions | Transpositions |
|---|---|
| II: the intrinsic valuation of intrinsic value (e.g., I love my son; I see him and accept him as he is) | Ii: the intrinsic disvaluation of intrinsic value (e.g., I despise my son and hate my son) |
| IE: the extrinsic valuation of intrinsic value (e.g., I love my son; he is a good boy) | Ie: the extrinsic disvaluation of intrinsic value (e.g., I dislike my son when he is a bad boy) |
| IS: the systemic valuation of intrinsic value (e.g., my son always does his work exactly as he ought to) | Is: the systemic disvaluation of intrinsic value (e.g., My son does not do his school work the way he ought to) |
Noticeably, there are three compositions and three transpositions or six total valuations for the intrinsic value dimension. The Hartman Value Profile has six intrinsic valuations. Since there are three value dimensions and six valuations for each dimension, there are 18 value items or formulas on any value profile.
Each value dimension is defined by a type of concept which itself has a mathematical value. Each item, therefore, not only has its own logical formula but has a measurable mathematical value. Moreover, each item has a predetermined logical position in the hierarchy of 18 value items which taken together form the value norm. The value norm is not established statistically by evaluating a sample population; instead, it is predetermined by the logic of value mathematics.
Two Worlds in Three Dimensions
The three dimension of value are tools which provide greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This combination of our valuation of self and valuation of world provides two unique perspectives. Adding the three dimensions of value, a powerful conceptual tool results which has a multitude of diagnostic and therapeutic functions. We call this tool - two worlds in three dimensions.
| Outer World | Inner World - Self |
|---|---|
| Intrinsic, "Empathy": other persons as unique individuals; the spiritual, irreplacable worth of others; the value of a "thing" as it exists in itself | Intrinsic, "Self Esteem": the self as infinitely valuable; the unique individuality of each person; the understanding of "who" one is; actual strengths and limitations |
| Extrinsic, "Practical Judgement": material value; things; classes or groups of things; other things as they serve useful roles or have functional value; comparison of things, people or situations; concrete, functional value in general, practical concrete thinking and organization | Extrinsic, "Role Awareness": "what" one is; the role function one plays; the sense of using time in a useful, functional way; career thinking; satisfaction or dissatisfaction with what one is doing in the world |
| Systemic, "Systems Judgement": analytical or structured thinking; structure, order or consistency in thinking; theoretical or conceptual organization and planning; valuing what "ought to be" | Systemic, "Self Direction": "where" one is going or "ought" to be going; self direction; persistence; drive motivated from commitment to inner principles and goals; self concept; ideal self image |
These dimensions translate into value capacities which can be measured using the Hartman Value Profile.
| Empathy | Self Esteem |
|---|---|
| The ability to see and appreciate the inner worth of others; to see and accept others as they are without placing any stipulations or expectations on them; "the ability to place oneself in another person's shoes without getting athletes feet" | The ability to see and appreciate one's inner worth and unique individuality; to be authentic, honest and sincere; to clearly see and realistically appreciate one's strengths and limitations |
| Practical Thinking | Role Awareness |
| The ability to see and appreciate practical, common sense thinking, concrete functional and material values; concrete organization; comparative thinking; the ability to see the worth of social organization and expectations and norms; street sense | The ability to see and appreciate one's place and function in society; to feel that one is serving a useful function, is contributing; to feel confident either that one can or is performing; to feel a sense of satisfaction with one's actions |
| System Judgment | Self Direction |
| The ability to see and appreciate system, order, structure, conformity and authority; conceptual, analytical or structured thinking, organizing and planning; rules, regulations, organizational principles and guidelines | The ability to see and appreciate inner ideas and inner thought; to feel a sense of duty, loyalty and commitment to what one believes is right; to have a clear sense of self direction; to be persistent |