The Dimensions of Value

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

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.

CompositionsTranspositions
Intrinsic Positive Valuation: means to identify with, to love; to accept; to create a totally new value inIntrinsic Disvaluation: means to hate, despise, to destroy totally
Extrinsic Positive Valuation: means to make better; to be practical, functional, to be good forExtrinsic 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 logicSystemic 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.

CompositionsTranspositions
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 WorldInner World - Self
Intrinsic, "Empathy": other persons as unique individuals; the spiritual, irreplacable worth of others; the value of a "thing" as it exists in itselfIntrinsic, "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 organizationExtrinsic, "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.

 

EmpathySelf 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 ThinkingRole 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 senseThe 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 JudgmentSelf 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 guidelinesThe 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