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Informational Entropy-Based Value Formation: A New Paradigm for a Deeper Understanding of Value

Author

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  • Quan-Hoang Vuong
  • Viet-Phuong La
  • Minh-Hoang Nguyen

Abstract

The major global challenges of our time—such as climate change, environmental degradation, rising inequality, and the emergence of disruptive technologies—demand interdisciplinary research to generate effective solutions. A clear understanding of value is essential for guiding socio-cultural and economic transitions to address these issues. Despite numerous attempts to define value, existing approaches remain inconsistent across disciplines and lack a comprehensive framework. This paper introduces a novel perspective on value through the lens of granular interaction thinking theory, proposing an informational entropy-based notion of value. Grounded on quantum mechanics, Shannon’s information theory, and the mindsponge theory, this framework integrates both subjective and objective considerations and is highly compatible with interdisciplinary research. The informational entropy-based notion of value effectively bridges diverse concepts of value, including use and exchange value in economics, personal values in psychology, and cultural, moral, ethical, and esthetic values in society. By offering a unifying perspective, granular interaction thinking theory provides a valuable framework for translating insights from quantum mechanics into socio-cultural, economic, and psychological contexts, enriching theoretical discourse and enhancing analytical effectiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Quan-Hoang Vuong & Viet-Phuong La & Minh-Hoang Nguyen, 2026. "Informational Entropy-Based Value Formation: A New Paradigm for a Deeper Understanding of Value," Evaluation Review, , vol. 50(3), pages 516-540, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:50:y:2026:i:3:p:516-540
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X251396210
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. J. E. King & Michael McLure, 2014. "History of the Concept of Value," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 14-06, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.
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    5. Quan-Hoang Vuong & Manh-Tung Ho & Hong-Kong T. Nguyen & Thu-Trang Vuong & Trung Tran & Khanh-Linh Hoang & Thi-Hanh Vu & Phuong-Hanh Hoang & Minh-Hoang Nguyen & Manh-Toan Ho & Viet-Phuong La, 2020. "On how religions could accidentally incite lies and violence: folktales as a cultural transmitter," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 1-13, December.
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