Personal Values
they are: Religion, health and love
Norwalk Community College ~ Introduction to Philosophy ~ Prof. Jackson PAPER #1: PERSONAL BELIEF ESSAY ASSIGNMENT Assignment Description: Read through the ‘Values Exercise’ (separate document), create your list of 10 values and then prioritize only three. You will describe these three values in this first paper. For the remaining papers in this course, you will narrow it down to only one of those three values. That one value will be used in comparing and contrasting them to certain philosophies. Essay Format: 2-3 pgs, title, name, date, double-spaced, 12 point font You will lose points for: incorrect word usage, improper grammar, poor sentence structure (run-on or incomplete sentences), text abbreviations, spelling, etc. This assignment is designed for you to explore the boundaries of your own belief system. In developing a clear and concise explanation of your own beliefs, you will come closer to interpreting the values that are the foundation of your belief system. You will ask yourself, “Where do I spend most of my time? How do I embody my chosen values? How do I represent my values to the greater community?” Examples of how you might link a ‘belief’ to a ‘value’: BELIEF #1: It is important for my family to have dinners together = BELIEF #2: Family reunions should occur every year for an entire week = Common values: · Love · Health · Wealth · Fun · Happiness · Success · Learning · Peace · Intimacy · Adventure · Security VALUE: FAMILY BELIEF #1: It is important for students to be involved in an extracurricular activity = BELIEF #2: It is important to travel the world = VALUE: OPEN TO GROWTH We all have distinct beliefs that define who we are, that define our moral compass and that, in turn, dictate our actions. Although our beliefs may be different, the values we hold as human beings tend to be similar. So, even though a belief is unique to the individual, all, or most will accept the value by which the belief is grounded. (Continued on next page) Cow Example: Person A does not believe in reincarnation and has the belief that cows are instead, lunch. Person B does believe in reincarnation and has the belief that a cow could be a beloved family member reincarnated. Both beliefs are distinct. If person A believed that the cow was a reincarnated family member, person A would not consider the cow for lunch. So, it turns out that person A and B have the same value for a beloved family member. Only their beliefs are different about ‘life after death’, about how the eternal realm manifests itself. For this assignment, please explore and describe three beliefs that you understand as an integral part of your character. Explain the values that provide the foundation for these beliefs. As human beings, we uphold a core set of values. Attach your beliefs to a value system.