In the context of normative statements, the term "values" refers to the principles, beliefs, or standards that individuals or societies consider to be important, desirable, or morally significant. Normative statements express judgments about what ought to be, often reflecting these underlying values.
For example, a normative statement like "Everyone should have access to healthcare" is grounded in specific values, such as the importance of equity, compassion, and the belief that health is a fundamental right. Values serve as the foundation for normative judgments and often guide ethical considerations, policy decisions, and social norms.
In essence, when discussing normative statements, values help to determine the criteria by which actions, policies, or behaviors are evaluated as good, bad, right, or wrong. They provide a framework for assessing issues and inform the expectations we have for individuals and societies.