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theory of the nature of the absolute reality which expresses itself in phenomena; but it is to be derived inductively from the phe- nomena themselves, the phenomena " I-value-this " and "This- means-much-to-me " being as true phenomena as any. From observing such phenomena, as we are conscious of them in our- selves and aware of them as revealed by others, we are to arrive at our general statements about "meanings" and "values," and not by deduction from our view concerning " the final goal " of the universe "reduced to unity." 12 If anyone is able by some other process than observation and comparison of phenomena that is, by other than scientific method to arrive at a verifiable view of the final goal of creation from which he can deduce teachings con- cerning the values and valuations involved in human life, then we are glad to have him do so. But as sociologists we cannot do so: nor so long as the method of observation is open to us do we pro- pose to depend on deductions from merely speculative views of the goal of being. We admit that our results will apply only within the sphere of human observation; but as human beings, not to- say as sociologists, we are content to understand the worth and meaning of things to human beings, and within the realm of human observation and experience, and not to stretch out after the meanings involved in the total unity of creation in which human experience plays a part.
The values and valuations that are disclosed to human com- prehension in human experience are nothing but valuings, unless we include also the phenomena which men value. The valuings are appreciations of experience, they are phenomena of conscious- ness, and as true phenomena, and so as really matter for science, as the objective things that men value. Whether the things valued are objective things, or thoughts, volitions, or other phe- nomena of consciousness, it is not the things valued, but the valuings, that are in this connection the significant phenomena.
Valuing is a phase or element or quality in every state of con- sciousness which man can pronounce good. Such valuings are perhaps the most significant of social phenomena. Like other social phenomena, they are psychic. Like other psychic phe-
11 American Journal of Sociology, Vol. X, p. 355.
