What is Neuro-Axiology
A Ground-Breaking Science
for Unleashing Human Potential
Neuro-axiology is the integration of two cutting-edge sciences: neuroscience (brain science) and axiology (value science).
Neuroscience is the study of the bio-chemical mechanics of how the brain works. We are, of course, primarily interested in the human brain, which is one of the most complex and magnificent creations in the known universe. Of particular interest in neuro-axiology is an area of neuroscience known as neuroplasticity -- how the brain changes and how mental habits are formed and reformed.
Axiology is the study of Value, values and value judgments. Formal (scientific) axiology provides key insights and tools on two levels: (1) the objective structure of value in nature (how "it" works) and (2) the subjective value perceptions and judgments people make that lead to their choices, actions, and reactions (how well we work within the structure).
What neuro-axiology represents and the promises it holds for individuals, organizations, societies, and cultures are nothing short of game-changing. However, while those of us who are pioneering this technology know this to be true, what matters is that we get the message out to the world. To that end, we encourage you to read the through the following to educate yourself about the science and see if it doesn't make total sense to you.
The "father" of the formal science of axiology is Dr. Robert S. Hartman. It was Dr. Hartman that discovered what's called the Hierarchy of Value, which represents the objective structure of value. Dr. Hartman, a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, also developed the Hartman Value Profile (HVP), an assessment instrument that allow us to measure how well an individual's personal (subjective) value hierarchy aligns with the (objective) Hierarchy of Value. His assessment has been scientifically tested and validated for over 50 years. Today, the Hartman Value Profile (HVP) has become an essential diagnostic and learning tool in the field of neuro-axiology (more about this below).
Both axiology and neuroscience have existed separately for years. In many ways, the two sciences have approached the question, "What makes people tick?," from opposite directions. Neuroscience, a relatively young science, seeks to understand brain function and explain human behavior from a neuro-biological perspective. In contrast, for 2500 years, axiologists have sought to understand and explain human behavior and motivation from the perspective of moral, ethical, and value-based judgments of the mind.
Many human sciences, including neuroscience and axiology, have come to the realization that the mind-brain is, in fact ,value-perception/judgment driven. That is, Value, values, and value judgments drive many, if not most or even all, of the processes of both the brain and the mind, including our sub-conscious habits of mind. Think about it—have you ever made a conscious choice that wasn’t, at that moment, an attempt to add greater value at some level?
It seems that, until now, the extraordinary connection between these two sciences and the potential breakthroughs that their integration brings to the world has been overlooked. The book, Answering The Central Question, to our knowledge, is the first book ever published on the topic.
Axiogenics™ is what we call the technology of applied neuro-axiology: the neuro-axiological principles and practices that allow us to generate greater value in our daily lives. Axiogenics is not some rehashed mystical, moral, or religious philosophy, nor is it a newfangled twist on the rhetoric of so-called “success gurus.” It is a fresh, new paradigm for personal, leadership and organizational development. It is a science-driven, strengths-focused technology for deliberately unleashing human potential and creating positive changes in how we think, how we perceive, the kinds of choices we make, and the actions we take.
Axiogenics® (applied neuro-axiology) is based on four core principles. They are:
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Value drives success in all endeavors.
The more value you can create the more success and happiness you can achieve. -
Your mind-brain is already value-driven.
The human mind-brain has a genetic disposition and desire to create value. -
There is an objective, universal Hierarchy of Value.
While value is a subjective judgment in our minds, in nature the relative value of all things (tangible and intangible) is concrete and objective. Thing "A" actually has either greater, lesser or equal value, in reality, than thing "B" just as one stone weighs more, less or the same another stone. -
Accurately answering The Central Question is the key
to maximizing your success.
The Central Question of Life, Love and Leadership is:
“What choice can I make and action can I take,
in this moment, to create the greatest net value?”
The greater our ability to make accurate value judgments (consistent with the Hierarchy of Value), the greater our ability to make good choices and take actions that create greater net value.
By learning and applying neuro-axiological principles and practices, people become more adept at consistently and accurately answering the Central Question.
One of the principle tools of neuro-axiology is the Hartman Value Profile (HVP), originally developed by Dr. Robert Hartman. Based on new understanding of the mind-brain we now use the HVP to assess a person's "VQ Profile." (VQ =Value (judgment) intelligence Quotient). A VQ profile consists of 36 measurements with a VQ score for each. Each measurement relates to the current quality of a person's value perception and judgment from one of 36 unique axiological perspectives. A high-VQ score is an area of brilliance (strength) while a low-VQ score indicates an area of challenge ("weakness").
Low VQs tend to be the source of people's greatest challenges and stresses while high VQs support the greatest success and happiness. Unfortunately, for most people, the low VQ tend to run the subconscious habits of mind and, therefore, run the show.
However, high VQs are genuine areas of strength and wisdom that can easily be unlocked through conscious choice and effort. In fact, through simple and sound neuro-axiological practices we are able to teach people how to instantly eliminate the negative influence of low VQs and to tap into the brilliance of their high VQs in any moment.
Moreover, because this process is consistent with the mechanics of neuroplasticity (how the habits are formed and reformed), with practice and time, the low VQs become de-habitualized while the strengths become stronger habits of mind.
Watch the video below, to see how it works...
Beyond the Individual
Axiology and the Hierarchy of Value also reveals the structure or blueprint for designing and creating maximum organizational performance. A simple search on Google will reveal a plethora of research studies that combine to prove two important things:
The most successful companies natural adhere more closely to the Hierarchy of Value in their culture, policies, values, and leadership, than less successful companies.
Most of the so called "best practices" for helping organizations (their leaders and employees) to become more like these most successful companies, fail to produce the needed results.
Neuro-axiology is a game-changer. Though still an emerging science, with what we know already we are able to help individuals and organizations unleash their potential and multiply the value they create in lasting and measurable ways never before possible.
Neuro-axiology is no less relevant and important to improving quality of life on this planet than any physical, psychological, economical, social, political, ecological, or technological science.
Our mission is to advance this science to help transform the world by transforming how people use their magnificent minds to multiply the value they create in the world through their life, love, and leadership.
We invite anyone with a desire to unleash their own potential and/or the potential of others to learn and apply the principles and practices of neuro-axiology in their own life, family, organization, or community.
We're inviting thought-leaders, business leaders, coaches, consultant, educators, and even political leaders to learn more about what neuro-axiology is and the possibilities it holds for our present and future and to become advocates of our cause.
How does neuro-axiology apply to organizational development / transformation? Take a look at this.
To learn more about what neuro-axiology is:
Purchase our book, Answering The Central Question (in print or Kindle)
To cut to the chase and get your questions asked and answered personally, or to take the VQ Profile Assessment (free) call +1-484-840-1095.
