Tuese: WESTERN VALUES

Monday, December 15, 2025

WESTERN VALUES

Western values refer to the set of social, political, and philosophical principles that have developed in the Western world, particularly in Europe and North America, and have influenced world culture, governance, and ethics. Western values emphasize individualism, liberty, democracy, human rights, and rationalism, logic, rooted in Greek philosophy, Roman law, and Christian ethics, promoting personal autonomy, rule of law, scientific inquiry, and capitalism, though interpretations vary. Key tenets include freedom (speech, economic), equality (under the law), self-reliance, critical thinking, and private property.

CORE PRINCIPLES

• Individualism: Focus on personal rights, freedoms, self-reliance, and autonomy.

• Freedom & Rights: Strong belief in individual liberties like free speech, religion, and personal choice.

• Democracy & Rule of Law: Representative governance, public participation, laws applying equally to all, and protection of rights.

• Human Rights & Equality: Inherent rights for all individuals, with an emphasis on liberty and fundamental freedoms. Belief in the inherent worth and sanctity of each individual.

• Rationalism & Science: Valuing logic, critical thinking, empirical evidence, skepticism, and scientific inquiry.

• Capitalism: Support for free markets, private ownership, and profit-driven enterprise.

HISTORICAL ROOTS:

• Greek Philosophy: Emphasis on reason, logic, and democracy.

• Roman Law: Foundation for legal systems and rights.

• Christian Ethics: Influence on concepts of individual value, dignity, mercy, and morality.

• Enlightenment: Promoted human rights, secularism, and democracy.

OTHER IMPORTANT VALUES

• Freedom: Personal and economic freedom, including freedom of speech.

• Secularism: Separation of church and state, allowing religious freedom.

• Capitalism: Free market enterprise, private property, and entrepreneurship.

• Self-Ownership: Sovereignty over one's own body and life.