Non-axiological

Non-axiological describes something that is not concerned with or based on values or ethics. It refrains from making judgments about good or bad, right or wrong, or any other form of value assessment. Instead, it focuses on factual observation, empirical analysis, and the study of objective phenomena without imposing or considering subjective or moral considerations. This stance is often associated with scientific inquiry, where the goal is to understand the world as it is, rather than as it ought to be. The non-axiological approach seeks to maintain neutrality and avoid the influence of personal beliefs or preferences in its investigations.

Non-axiological meaning with examples

• A purely non-axiological sociological study might examine the effects of economic policies on social mobility without commenting on whether those policies are inherently 'fair' or 'just'. The focus is on the observable outcomes and their correlation, not on the ethical implications or societal values involved. It analyzes data to understand how things work, not whether they should work that way.
• In the field of climate science, a non-axiological approach might involve studying the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on global temperatures. The study would focus on measuring and modeling these effects, but refrain from expressing value judgments about whether climate change is 'bad' or 'good.' It would provide the data needed for policymakers to make value-based decisions.
• A historical analysis, conducted in a non-axiological manner, could describe the causes and consequences of a war without taking sides or making moral pronouncements about the participants. It might detail the political, economic, and social factors that led to conflict, but wouldn't judge the actions of any nation or individual involved as righteous or evil.
• Behavioral psychology, in its attempt to understand and predict behavior, can strive to be non-axiological. It may examine the causes and effects of certain actions without assessing whether those actions are morally desirable. The focus is on the 'how' and the 'why' rather than the 'should'. The goal is a purely scientific understanding.
• A scientific experiment, aiming for impartiality, follows a non-axiological path. Scientists focus on observing phenomena as they occur. They avoid injecting personal preferences and biases. This helps ensure objective results are obtained that are separate from any kind of moral judgement made or implied by their observations.