Values and behaviour LO8613

Robert Bacal (dbt359@freenet.mb.ca)
Mon, 22 Jul 1996 23:36:18 +0000

Replying to LO8603 --

On 22 Jul 96 at 9:30, Ben Compton wrote:

> Joan, I think little children do have values. My three year old
> definitely has values -- and, when he cannot achieve the things he
> values, he throws a temper-tantrum.

I think one of the problems here is definitional. Values (the noun) seem
to me to refer to abstract concepts we hold that we apply across
situations (to the extent that actually happens. These are the things that
Joan is referring to, I think.

Then, there are the things we value (verb), which is equivalent to our
wants, and needs at any given moment. Infants certainly have wants and
needs, but this is different than imputing values (the noun).

If one agrees with my definitions, then children that lack the abstract
symbolization abilities CANNOT have values, though they can value certain
things, and clearly do.

I'm not sure whether a three year old has rudimentary values...I suspect
so, but I do not believe a neonate has values.

> I think the issue isn't when do we develop values -- or the capacity
> to value things -- the greater issue is when do we become aware that
> these values influence (or at least attempt to influence) or
> behavior? And, then, when do we begin the process of deliberately
> reviewing and refining our value structures? --

I agree. And, perhaps how to foster value-based behaviour.

Robert Bacal, CEO, Institute For Cooperative Communication
dbt359@freenet.mb.ca, Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
(204 888-9290.

-- 

"Robert Bacal" <dbt359@freenet.mb.ca>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>