"Rule-Based Order vs. Value-Based Order: Exploring the Foundations of Societal Systems"

On December 6, 2023, I had another insightful discussion with my professor at Chalmers during lunch. Our conversation centered around a term that has been frequently used by those in positions of power – "rule-based order." My professor raised a thought-provoking question: Do we truly want a rule-based order, or should we aim for a value-based order?

As engineers, we naturally delved into dissecting the meanings behind these concepts. A rule-based order, we concluded, emphasizes legality. It relies on whether something is within the bounds of the law. If an action is not illegal, it is considered permissible. Moreover, it often ties into democratic principles, known as the "rule of the majority," where the majority's beliefs and decisions become the rule.

On the other hand, a value-based order places a greater emphasis on morality and culture. It's about what we, as a society, consider morally right or wrong, regardless of legality. Sometimes, the legality and the morality of an action may not align. This order also recognizes that it's not just what you do but how you do it, taking into account intentions and methods.

We also discussed the stability of these orders. A rule-based order can be more forceful but susceptible to rapid changes, as rules can be modified overnight. In contrast, a value-based order is inherently more stable and long-term, as changing values is a much more complex process.

Our discussion ultimately led us to the conclusion that a hybrid approach may be necessary. Moving forward, it's essential to live in a rule-based order firmly rooted in global values. This means that the foundation of our rules should be our core values, ensuring both legality and moral righteousness in our actions. Such a system could be universal, inclusive, and considerate of human values, making it a more acceptable societal order.

We look forward to continuing this discussion when we have more time