Two Types of Values and Their Assessment by the Collective Interest

摘要

Both economics and environmental assessment are fundamentally concerned with the assessment of value. To better understand the meaning of value, it can be helpful to categorize values into different types. One such categorization is to divide them into functional values and perceptual values. Functional value is assigned on the basis of how much something contributes to or takes from the proper operation of a system. Perceptual value is assigned on the basis of how much something pleases or displeases an individual. The difference between these two types is gradational rather than discrete. Furthermore, an element of the environment can be valued both functionally and perceptually. Alternative schemes of categorization are analogous. Explicit, factual, objective values are typically functional while implicit, judgmental, subjective values are typically perceptual. In a mixed economy the responsibility of government in influencing the assessment of value is different for the two different types. For functional values, evaluation and resulting action by the government as a representative of the collective interest are based on maintenance or improvement of the system. This corresponds to Hardin's notion of averting the tragedy of the commons. For perceptual values, evaluation by the government is based on widening the choice available to individuals. This corresponds to Davidoff's and Reiner's theory of planning. The significance of this difference is explored using wilderness preservation policy as an example. (ERA citation 08:054059)