Intrinsic value (ethics)

A set of values that are thought to apply universally.

The discussion of universal values often start off with the discussion of Intrinsic Value versus Extrinsic Value. Roughly stated, something has an intrinsic value when it is valuable "in itself" or "for its own sake"; something has an extrinsic value if it is valuable because of something else.

Historical discussions of universal values
The first philosophical discussions of universal values seemed to occur around the same time: Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC), Plato (427 BC – ca. 347 BC), Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC), Mencius (372 BC – 289 BC).

Contemporary issues related to universal values
Some of the most contentious debates today are also debates over universal values: the abortion debate, capital punishment debate, globalization and its backlash.