Values most extolled in Nobel Peace Prize speeches
Richard T Kinnier1, Jerry L Kernes, Jessie Wetherbe Hayman
1Division of Psychology in Education, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-0611, USA. kinnier@asu.edu
The Journal of Psychology
|November 30, 2007
Summary
This study analyzed 50 Nobel Peace Prize speeches, revealing that peace, hope, and security are the most frequently extolled values. These findings offer insights into universal moral values and their modern-day relevance.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Political Science
- Ethics
Background:
- Nobel Peace Prize speeches are significant cultural artifacts.
- Understanding the values promoted by laureates can illuminate global priorities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and rank the most frequently extolled values in Nobel Peace Prize speeches.
- To explore the implications of these values for modern global discourse and universal morality.
Main Methods:
- A content analysis was performed on a random sample of 50 Nobel Peace Prize speeches.
- Frequencies of specific values mentioned by speakers were systematically recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Peace was the most frequent value (100%), followed by hope (92%), security (86%), and justice (85%).
- Other prominent values included responsibility (81%), liberty (80%), tolerance (79%), and altruism (75%).
- Religious (God, 49%) and intellectual (truth, 38%) values were also present but less frequent.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a consistent emphasis on core humanitarian and societal values in Nobel Peace Prize orations.
- The findings suggest a potential basis for universal moral values, though cultural and religious nuances persist.
- The interplay of these values offers critical insights for contemporary discussions on global ethics and peacebuilding.
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