Principles vs Values: Questions Received

Reader's Question: It's confusing. Maybe say something about principles being values in action, so it's clearer.

Author's Reply: I hear you but it’s not always true. Luigi Mangione values healthcare for everyone as many of us do. Was equitable healthcare then a value in action when he shot the CEO of UnitedHealthcare? Values are not always in harmony with principles and this I’m afraid has been lost on so many. You hear too many today say they will stand on their principles that are actually values or simply say they will hold to their values not understanding the difference between a value and principle. Stephen Covey emphasized the point murderers, rapists, and thieves have values. Mangione personified this point. Principles deliver the consequences both good and bad. It’s simply not taught.

Reader's Question: I find the chart above a little vague (referring to the chapter 1 chart showing principles vs values). It seems easier to understand principles in the context of a code of conduct or practical applications. For instance, if honesty is a value, telling the truth in various situations is a principle. Does this seem accurate?

Author's Reply: You are on target with your example demonstrating the confusion. telling the truth in various situations is subjective. Two people may look at exactly the same set of facts. One person can tell the truth as they see it through their Lenses while another person tells the truth as they see it through theirs and be expressing polar opposite opinions. Who is telling the truth? They’re both right as they see it. The truth is influenced by the individuals paradigm and is subjective and arguable making it a value. As long as they are honest, questions and debate may continue arriving at a common truth or in some cases a respectful agree to disagree. Today we see questions met with hostility and anger, perhaps redirected, strawman topics thrown out, half truths, and techniques of the personality ethic employed that are not honest to win the argument. Emotions are usually amped. Regardless of viewpoint, honesty can be easily confirmed provided questions continue with civil dialogue. Present two individuals viewpoints disagreeing on a topic - with questions you can tell if both, one, or neither is being honest. Many confuse values too often for principles today and negative consequences result. Equity and truth are examples of values. Equality and honesty are principles.

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