Paradigm Shifts

 

Before we approach the details of axiological science which involves a major paradigm shift, we need to reflect on what it means to us to make such a paradigm shift.

 

                What is a paradigm? A paradigm is the exemplary model for truth and knowledge. Paradigms are the pre-logical foundations of legitimate knowledge. A paradigm contains all our basic assumptions for truth and knowledge. So, you say we need to experience a paradigm shift to understand axiology? Yes, indeed, if the shift is not made, you will probably not open up your receptivity to understand axiology.

 

                In the past, during the Middle Ages, we had a mono-polar paradigm based on the infallible pronouncements of the Pope and the Church. There was no questioning the Pope’s authority. He said so and so, and that was the end of the matter. This was a monarchist kind of rule, and many monarchs/dictators have the same authority paradigm - enforced with power.

 

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 Let us begin with common questions and answers about Axiology.

 

1. Q: What is axiology?

A: Short answer: It is the name for “value theory.”

 

2. Q: What is the domain of axiology that sets it apart from other subject matters?

A.a: The world is full of facts, and some of these given facts are already values (it is a fact that “x” is a widely held value). Axiology is the ordering system of how we make these facts meaningful. The actual values we deal with are all factually finite, but often one or more of the dimensions can be emphasized (valued) as infinite, as in a love relationship, although it is factually finite, eventually coming to an end in time. This illustrates the difference between value and fact. I can value my beloved infinitely, but factually, not. Fact is the foundation of value. Without a real, tangible, factual world, there would be no value.

 

A.b: The domain of axiology was historically one of the five main branches of philosophy. The five branches are listed below with the subjects they address.

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To put this question into proper context, we need to review some background information first. The capacity to take joy in life is closely linked to biology & genetics. Studies have shown that a person is likely to be happier, according to the degree of electrical activity produced by the pre-frontal cortex of the brain. Even in studies of identical twins, it was discovered that each individual has a natural happiness level, and a person’s “average” level is almost always inherited. But this does not mean we are stuck with nature’s levels. We can rise above our natural level by practicing habits that encourage happiness & discourage unhappiness.

True happiness is what everyone is looking for – it is what makes life worthwhile, but it seems very elusive for most of us. There is opportunity to be grateful for our many inherent blessings and to see the good in everything, but generally, we do just the opposite. We usually do not miss any opportunity to be unhappy. This is easy, because our mind is activated...

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