Symbolism and values: Rationality and irrationality of culture

Values tend to be taken for granted by communitarian politicians and religiously thinking people as well as by various sociologists, that is insofar as certain aspects of social life underscore the belief in the importance of values. However, other social phenomena, particularly ethnic and religious conflicts, seem more affected by the symbolism of culture than by values. This article attempts to trace the logic of symbolism and values in various cultural settings. It contends that these core components of culture are of much consequence but may be problematic as well, due to their ambivalence and conflation. It concludes that symbolism and values may invert their inherent nature of reason and affect, rationality and irrationality.