Axiology is a specialty of philosophy that deals with the study and analysis of values. It is applied in different fields and areas such as Pedagogy or Law.
The etymology of the word comes from the French axiologie, which is formed by the Greek terms ἄξιος (“with value”) and logos (“Study”. In this way it can be defined as study or theory of values.
Throughout this article we are going to talk about different types of axiology, although in the first place it is necessary for you to understand what is understood as value in the philosophical field. In this area it refers to a quality that is part of a reality. In this way, a subject or object is estimated based on the values they possess.
Axiology, therefore, focuses on the study of values: the nature of these, the judgments that are carried out based on them, etc. Thus, a value can be the beginning that ends up leading to a trial, which is why it is a specialty that can be said to be related to ethics.
Thanks to this branch of philosophy, the thought of human beings can be understood to a greater extent. This is because there are different types of values: subjective, dynamic, permanent, objective. These are organized in each person in a different way and influence their behavior.
Types of axiology
Below we are going to explain the three types of axiology that exist and that will help you better understand its application in different fields.
Philosophical axiology
As we have already mentioned, axiology is part of Philosophy. In this sense, it focuses on the analysis and study of the nature and functions of values.
Despite the fact that this concept began to be used in the 20th century, the reality is that values were already studied a long time ago by philosophy. In fact, various philosophers such as Plato, Socrates, Kant or Aristotle did it.
In this regard, the main topics discussed are:
- Objectivity. Objectivity is responsible for expressing reality as it is. That is to say, it is detached from any affinity or feelings with another person regarding a subject as well as tastes or preferences. You only make a judgment or value about something that is completely real and in which you are totally impartial.
- Subjectivity. Contrary to what happens with objectivity, in the case of subjectivity it is the perception and personal assessment that a person makes about an idea, thought, matter, etc. It is a partial opinion about it and they are influenced by different emotions and feelings. Subjectivity is an inevitable human quality and shows the point of view of each person. It must be taken into account that it can be both positive and negative. If it is negative, it can cause prejudices such as being against other cultural forms different from one’s own. The positive, for its part, will make it possible to accept ideas different from their own.
Legal axiology
For its part, legal axiology consists of studying legal values when carrying out the creation of different legal norms, as well as when applying them. This is studied in the so-called Philosophy of Law.
Sometimes legal axiology appears together with other terms such as the Theory of Justice or the Theory of Just Law. They emphasize the value of justice in the field of Law.
It is very important in this field since there are different considerations about values that play a key role in the drafting, approval, repeal or application of the various legal norms. In Law, for example, you can start to study the value of life and dignity in different sentences or sentences such as life imprisonment.
In Law, axiology can be applied to numerous approaches to values that are the object of study.
Educational axiology
Thirdly, we must refer to educational axiology. This consists of studying values from the point of view of pedagogy. It can deal with very diverse values, such as those that are related to social, ethical, cultural or aesthetic aspects.
In this field, the study of values is very important, since it is one of the main characteristics when it comes to carrying out the development of the human being.
In education, therefore, axiology is much more present than many people might think. The study of these values can be key in order to carry out an adequate learning of children, as well as of adults.