Increases in Old and New Properties in Value Combinations

Abstract

This article explores answers to the question of whether the value increases in value combinations are quantitative increases in previously existing properties or qualitative and relational increases in new properties and actualities. If value combinations are organic wholes, they should be somehow “greater than the sum of their parts,” but how should we understand this axiologically? Examples are considered and analyzed. The insight that the positive changes in value combinations involve novel good-making qualities or properties is attributed to Doug Lawrence. The article concludes by exploring qualitative/relational differences between uncombined value objects in the three dimensions of value, intrinsic, extrinsic, and systemic while indicating that these are very different from qualitative/relational property increases in value combinations.