That's good." — "That's bad." Sentences like these run through our daily lives. Whether we judge a lunch, rate a movie, or decide whether we trust someone: we're constantly assigning value. That's exactly where axiology comes in. The word comes from Greek and means axía (value) and lógos (study/teaching). So, quite simply: the science of values. The fascinating part: we're all acting axiologically all the time — but we don't realize it. At least not consciously. Every decision we make is ultimately a value judgment. Whether we pick the organic tomatoes at the supermarket, help a colleague, or obey a law — there's always a weighing of value behind it.
Hartman's radical idea
Before Robert S. Hartman, "value" was a fuzzy concept. Philosophers had been talking for thousands of years about good and evil, morals and ethics. But nobody could clearly explain how values actually work. Hartman was convinced: just as mathematics can describe numbers, there must also be an exact language to describe values. His goal was nothing less than an exact science of the good.
"Good is what fulfills its concept." – Robert S. Hartman
What does he mean by that? Quite simply:
• A chair is good if it matches its concept — meaning you can sit on it comfortably.
• A friend is good if they match their concept — for example, if they're reliable, loyal, and honest.
• A law is good if it matches its concept — meaning it creates justice and preserves order.
With this seemingly simple definition, Hartman laid the foundation for a completely new science.
The three dimensions of value
Hartman distinguished three kinds of value that resonate in every decision we make:
- Intrinsic – the value of the unique. People, friendships, love. This is about what can't be replaced, what is individual. You could also say: the intrinsic is the heart.
- Extrinsic – the value of the practical. Tools, performance, things. What matters here is how well something fulfills its purpose. Or: the extrinsic is the hand.
- Systemic – the value of concepts and rules. Laws, plans, structures. Order is the main focus here. Put differently: the systemic is the head.
A vivid example:
• A person is intrinsically valuable because they are unique.
• A car is extrinsically valuable because it gets you from A to B.
• A traffic code is systemically valuable because it provides rules that prevent chaos.
The key point: these three dimensions don't exist separately — they constantly work together.
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Then take the free personality test, and we'll tell you what's inside you! Scientifically grounded, relevant, and individual.If you walk through the world with your eyes open, you quickly notice: many conflicts arise because people put different value dimensions first. The bureaucrat who rigidly follows the rules thinks systemically — and may overlook the human aspect. The friend who views everything with empathy and compassion thinks strongly intrinsically — and sometimes gets lost in details. The manager who focuses on efficiency and results thinks extrinsically — and may overlook whether the rules are fair or whether people are satisfied.
Axiology shows: good decisions emerge when we keep all three dimensions in balance. If you wear only one pair of glasses, you risk a distorted view.
From theory to test
Hartman didn't stop at theory. He wanted to make his ideas practically useful. That's how the Hartman Value Profile (HVP) came into being. The twist: instead of answering questions about yourself ("Are you extroverted?"), participants are asked to rank statements in order. This ranking feels playful — but behind the scenes it reveals a clear pattern: How does this person evaluate?
Sounds too theoretical for you? Then here's your free personality test.
Axiology today
Axiology is long since more than a fringe philosophical topic. The HVP is used in many areas:
- In medicine, to select doctors and nurses who must make good decisions even under stress.
- In coaching, to show people their strengths and blind spots.
- In companies, to hire the right people and place them in the right roles.
In the U.S., a large hospital group has been using the HVP for decades — with measurable success: better employee retention, higher patient satisfaction, less burnout. And axiology is also exciting for each individual person: if you understand whether you tend to think systemically, extrinsically, or intrinsically in a situation, you recognize your patterns — and can steer more consciously.
Conclusion: more than just philosophy
Axiology isn't a dry theory — it's a key to understanding ourselves and others better. It makes visible that values aren't just gut feeling, but have structure. In a world where values often seem blurry and arbitrary, Hartman's approach provides clarity. It shows: if you understand how you think, you can make better decisions — at work, in private life, for yourself, and for others.
Axiology means: the science of values. Robert S. Hartman developed it into a precise theory with three dimensions: intrinsic (people), extrinsic (things), systemic (rules). This way of thinking makes visible how we judge every day — and why we sometimes lose balance. With the Hartman Value Profile, axiology becomes practical: instead of just talking, we can measure how people judge. Today, coaches, medicine, and companies use these insights. For each individual, it holds true: if you know your value structure, you understand yourself — and make better decisions.
