Final answer:
Values are the principles that guide decision-making and behavior in society, defining what is considered good and just. They form a critical part of culture and are subject to change over time, though they often represent an ideal culture rather than reality. Philosophical value theory helps us explore and understand these principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Values are fundamental beliefs that dictate the standards for what is good and just in society and profoundly influence the way individuals make decisions, interact with others, and resolve conflicts. They are essential for teaching and transmitting culture's beliefs and serve as a guide for desired behavior although they might not always align with actual behavior. Values reflect what society aspires to be - its ideal culture - yet there can be a discrepancy between ideal and real culture as seen in everyday life, where efforts are made to achieve societal ideals. Cultural values can vary significantly, highlighting differences in what is deemed acceptable or important across societies.
The fact-value distinction is important in understanding that values describe how people think things should operate, not necessarily how they actually do. In philosophical terms, this also ties into value theory, which provides a framework for assessing and understanding these ideals within a society. Value theory is integral to discussions about personal and societal well-being and justice, and is an area of philosophy concerned with such evaluations.
Values are not fixed; they evolve as societies engage in continuous dialogue, reassessing and adapting collective beliefs based on these discussions and experiences. This dynamic nature of values is essential for cultural growth and the evolution of societal standards.