A book on ethics and philosophy of values

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3/ Conclusion: a third way?


We have asked where the value of a thing might truly reside: within the thing itself, as objectivism asserts, or within the subject who bestows it, as subjectivism suggests?

Both propositions seem inadequate. In other words, objectivism and axiological subjectivism both appear unworkable: either because we cannot assign value to the object or because we cannot locate it there. Confronted with these two impasses, we may find ourselves at a loss, uncertain how to proceed.

However, we must ask whether our failure stems from framing the problem too narrowly. Put differently, we have approached the issue as if only two possible answers exist—either the object or the subject—but could we conceive of a third? Are we not unduly constrained by the subject-object dualism that has shaped Western thought since Descartes and that many modern and contemporary thinkers have sought to challenge?

The idea that emerges—and that I propose for consideration—is this: perhaps we should seek value not in the object or the subject alone, but in their relationship—specifically, in the unique connection that unites object and subject within the realm of value: love.

The questions we now pose—and which will shape the next phase of our reflection—are these: 'Is love the central concept of axiology?' Or, 'Is love the key to determining the value of a thing?'
We will then transition to the affirmative, constructive phase of our reflection, as our focus thus far has been primarily negative: identifying the confusions that have arisen and obscured the correct formulation of the problem of values.

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