Can All Things Valued by Humans Be Quantified?

Can all the values we hold dear by humans be quantified? This is a profound question that delves into the nature of subjective vs. objective values. While we can indeed quantify certain aspects of our lives, it is essential to understand that the subjective value attributed to things by individuals cannot always be measured.

Quantifying Feelings and Beauty

Feelings and beauty, for instance, can be quantified in certain ways. However, these quantifications often rely on human understanding and experiences. For example, the feeling of pure happiness can be reflected in a statistically measured state of well-being. Similarly, we rely on human values to recognize and appreciate beauty. Can we quantify beauty without human values?

No, we cannot. The value of beauty is inherently subjective and tied to human perception. Quantifying beauty could mean listing its aspects and assigning scores, but this still requires a human framework to evaluate and interpret. Questions like, 'Is there more beauty at birth or in death?' highlight the complexity of this issue. The answers may seem obvious, but they prompt a deeper exploration of what we value.

Quantifying Intangible Values

Can we extend this quantification to more abstract concepts like love, friendship, or intelligence? These intangible qualities are central to our human experience and yet, they resist easy quantification. Love, for example, goes beyond simple metrics; it involves deep emotional connections and relationships that cannot be fully captured by numbers.

The same applies to beauty. Intangible values like beauty, happiness, or intelligence are not just extensions of tangible values but are distinct and meaningful in their own right. They shape our lives and interactions in profound ways that go beyond mere quantification.

Quantifying Subjective Values

While certain tangible values can be quantified, the subjective values that humans attach to these things cannot always be. For instance, if we value beneficial and skillful actions, we can find contentment with less. However, if we prioritize endless wants over legitimate needs, we may struggle to fill the void or achieve true satisfaction. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between what is beneficial and what is simply desired.

Would being appreciative of what we have contradict the core spirit of spiritualism? The answer is nuanced. While certain spiritual practices focus on inner peace and acceptance, valuing what we have can also be a valid practice that brings contentment and fulfillment. This can be validated using tools like Likert scales, which allow individuals to rate their feelings and experiences on a scale, thereby providing a measure of subjective values.

The Work of Maurice Benayoun: “Value of Values”

To explore these concepts further, let us consider the work of artist and designer Maurice Benayoun, specifically his project “Value of Values.” This project aims to generate physical artifacts directly from the human brain and value them according to a dedicated stock market. For example, a market value of “Happiness by Alissa Reyna on June 9, 2020, at 7:15 AM Taiwan Time” could be assigned.

While this project explores the fascinating intersection of human values and quantification, it also raises questions about the nature of subjective experiences and their material representation. This project serves as a testament to the complexity of valuing intangible concepts and how technology may attempt to quantify them, albeit with limitations.

Can all things that humans value be quantified? While there are tangible aspects that can be measured, the subjective values that shape our lives and the abstract concepts that give us meaning are more resilient to quantification. Understanding this balance is crucial for both personal and societal wellness.