What do we mean when we say value? Is value physical or conceptual? Does it have a different metaphysical status?
When I say, I value my phone, there seems to be several things being referred to here:
- The phone, a physical object.
- Me, the value-giver.
- The value, a conceptual thing I attach to a physical object.
Values are conceptual because they require minds to exist. Without a value-giver, there would be no value. Value works like meaning.
Are values mental states? I think so. They exist in the mind.
So when I say I value my phone, I may call my phone my value but actually I am referring to the concept in my mind: The phone is important to me.
Mental states could replace the phone. If I say, I value happiness, I may seem to refer to the mental state that I experienced, but the value is a concept in my mind: Happiness is important to me.
Therefore, a core desired mental state could be a core desired value as well.
Also, since values are conceptual, A single area or project could satisfy all your values.
Could values be relationships?