Abstract：Interest is a key concept that is often mentioned but not deeply elaborated in the discussion of the question of the nature of value. Perry’s theory of value, which takes interest as its starting point and systematically elucidates the nature of value and its generative mechanism, is a representative theory in modern Western philosophy that provides an in-depth explanation of the relationship between interest and value. This theory regards value as a property assigned to an object by interest, and value is a property of the relationship between interest and object. “Governing Propensity—Expectation—Subordinate Activity—Object Realisation” is the structure of interest activity and the meaning-generating mechanism of value. In this structure, In this structure, the governing propensity provides the motor and energy source for the interest activity, the expectation focuses and determines the specific object of interest, and the subordinate activity, driven by the governing propensity and the expectation of the result of the activity, promote the actual existence of the object of interest, so that the value is generated and embodied in this structure. Perry’s theory of value reveals the complex driving factors and mediating elements behind interest and value, breaks through the traditional path of value analysis that reduces the essence of value to a single element such as the object of pleasure or desire, and provides a more comprehensive analytical approach for the exploration of the essence of value in value philosophy. Following this approach, human beings can grasp the logic of different values in the diversity of value choices and value conflicts, thus establishing a foundation for human coordination and integration of different values. At the same time, Perry’s interest-based theory of value can alleviate human concerns about value relativism, and it is committed to a stability and harmony based on the plurality of interests under the premise of recognising the diversity of interests.
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FENG Ping, YANG Qian-qian. How Interest Gives Value to Objects: The Nature and Structural Generation of Perry’s Theory of Value. , 2025, 42(3): 117-124.
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