The Nuances of Value in a Diverse World

Value can be generally and loosely categorised into objective and subjective category. Subjective value varies from one individual or group of individuals to another, depending on a variety of factors.

Objective value has little to no variance from one group of individuals to another, akin to something that's pre-built into a system to make the system function well.

I think most natural resources are objectively valuable, not only because they're scarce but because they're also a vital component for operating in the natural world. For example, water. We need it every day to drink and wash ourselves.

The modern world is driven more by subjective than objective value. This is because many of the decisions we make, from the products we buy to the careers we pursue, are influenced by our individual beliefs, desires, and aspirations, rather than by universally agreed-upon standards.

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The Subjective Lens of the Modern World

Some of us have based our lives on ideologies that we've assimilated and resonate with from our environment or society at large.

On the surface, ideologies and value don't seem to have any connection. But when we look a little deeper, ideologies are backed and able to catch on based on the perceived value that's attached to them.

Take transhumanism for example, which is the idea of enhancing human capabilities with technology. The perceive value is becoming superhumans with the help of technology, although how that will happen varies from one group of individuals to another.

Some individuals (like Elon Musk) believe merging humans and technology is the way to make that happen.

Others are opposed to this idea because they think or believe it will dilute if not obliterate our inherent human-ness. Will merging with technology makes us less human?

I don't know. Personally, I've not yet formed a definitive conclusion to this situation because there are many nuances involved.

I think I understand the idea of merging humans with technology to a certain extent, as this prevents the technology from becoming an outside dominant or formidable force, since we ourselves in part also become the technology. But at what cost? You can't expect to play with fire and not get burned.

Sometimes, I do wonder how we end up getting here, since it seems either way, i.e merging or not merging with technology, we're on the losing end. Perhaps, there's a third option that we've not explored yet.

Much like natural resources, technology has become a vital component for operating in our current world. Many of us use a smartphone everyday. This means modern technology can be termed as objectively valuable, though at its onset, it was perceived as wholly subjective.

This distinction between objective and subjective value provides a helpful framework, but it's also important to acknowledge that the lines can blur in the real world.

For example, the objective property of water being essential for life doesn't negate the subjective value placed on it, which can vary based on cultural context or personal experiences.

A desert community will value water far more than a community with abundant freshwater resources.

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Beyond the transhumanism debate, technology offers various value propositions. I think so far, many of us can agree that it has done more good than harm. For one, it has empowered individuals with knowledge and tools to live a generally better life.

Secondly, technology has bridged geographical divides and foster new forms of human connection through communication platforms. social media, for instance, allows individuals to make new connections or keep in touch with loved ones across borders, and even build communities around shared interests.

Wrap Up

I think as societies become more diverse and technology empowers more individual expressions, the concept of value will evolve and be transformed.

Traditional notions of objective value, based on universal standards, are increasingly challenged by the multiplicity of subjective experiences and perspectives.

Now, this doesn't negate the existence of objective value, but it highlights the importance of considering diverse viewpoints when evaluating what truly matters.

This facilitates are multifaceted nature of value, and a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the world around us.


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