Abstract

Value is an indispensable category, since persons and things are not only significations, but validities. In order to understand the history of values, the book offers detailed explanations of the philosophical, political and religious traditions behind. New value syntheses can be established by means of concrete analysis of phenomena such as globalization and cultural mixing ("métissage culturel"). Striking is the permanent validity of values such as politeness, responsibility, honesty, helpfulness, allround culture, tolerance, and respect (last not least regarded as ideals of education).