How Values Develop

📖 The Scoop

We have commonly believed that all that we know, and how we think, is all learned after we are born. John Locke, with his idea that are minds are blank slates when we are born, made sense--until recently. Studies with identical and fraternal twins have shown us how heredity influences our behavior. But the new science of epigenetics shows how, and which, genes
are affected by our environments--and those of our ancestors. These genetic and epigenetic realities affect our behavior and our conscious and unconscious values. Obviously, one's experiences after birth are also
crucial. All will be discussed in detail. Once a person begins to make choices, the value choices will always be
based on assumptions that are difficult, or impossible, to prove. These are: self-centered, God-based, or society-based. Self-centered assumptions are determined based on what a person wants now, or in the future. There are
many concepts of a Supernatural, and even more Scriptures to tell us what our God wants us to do. Society assumptions are, likewise, diverse and multi-faceted. Is a democratic-republic as efficient as an autocratic one? How separate
should church and state be? Should there be limits on free speech? How large a national debt can a country handle? With so many 5 to 4 Supreme Court decisions, should one judge determine the Constitutionality of a law? So many questions!
Are we clear about our values--and their repercussions?

Genre: Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy (fancy, right?)