Axiology and Analysis

Abstract

In the present paper I wish to emphasize that traditional theories of value consist of a combination of two¹ theories. One part of this combination is the result of conceptual analysis, the other part is the result of ontological investigations. One part of value theories is a theory about the use (or the meaning) of value sentences and/or value words, the other one is a positive or a negative theory as to whether there are values or objects with value-qualities. If a philosopher gives a positive answer to the question whether there are value-qualities he naturally has to solve a lot of other problems: What is the relationship between value-qualities and “natural qualities”? What is the ontological status of value-qualities? How do we acquire knowledge about values and value-qualities? and so on. If he denies that value-qualities exist, naturally there are no such problems to solve.