Behind every decision we make, there is inevitably a set of values (in the most broad sense of value) that consciously or unconsciously drives us. Even a mundane decision such as eating food is motivated by something. Perhaps there is a belief that one’s life has inherent value and is worth preserving, or a more instinctive belief that eating that food will lead to pleasure and a possibility for more pleasure.
It seems to me that it’s worth understanding the values behind our decisions. This practice would certainly allow us to make more rational decisions that truly align with what we believe to be important.
Beyond simply understanding our values it at least seems that we have some capacity to choose the values that drive us. To me, much of the art of philosophy lies in discovering or inventing one’s own values and beliefs. Even if one chooses not to actively participate in this process, the fact that one’s decisions are driven by certain values does not change. Countless environmental factors, unbeknownst to us, shape the values we use to make decisions. The question is not whether or not we are driven by values, but whether or not we take part in shaping them. In this sense, shaping one’s values is a matter of exercising self-agency.