Abstract

The paper presents not only values – as it has usually been done in philosophical literature – but also anti-values and their role in the life of individuals and society. The historical background and different solutions to the above-mentioned question are described, some of them optimistic and humanistic, others – pessimistic and antihumanistic, others – pessimistic and antihumanistic. Such a differentiation between points of view results from the way people behave, which is first of all connected with certain physical and spiritual values and anti-values, not with living conditions. The complexity of human nature is emphasized. Its exploration would form a basis for learning about the mechanisms of value and anti-value formation and functioning. The necessity for perceiving a human being as dialectical unity, taking into consideration the contradiction between physical and spiritual elements, is justified in the paper. Such an attitude enables to define values and anti-values that seem essential for the individual, nation and whole mankind. Moreover, it makes it possible to avoid one-sidedness and absolutism in the process of explaining vital powers of a human being. According to the author, the general principle that underlies the development of man as an individual characterized by high morale, and – what follows – makes social progress possible, is a directed increase in physical, physical-spiritual and spiritual axiological determination in people’s life. It leads to harmony of body and soul, as well as mutual understanding between people. It also enables them to achieve happiness.