values.md

VALUES.md File Format

A standardized format for expressing personal values and ethical frameworks for AI systems

Format Specification

The VALUES.md format provides a standardized way to express personal ethical frameworks that AI systems can understand and apply consistently.

Required Structure:

# VALUES.md

## Core Ethical Framework: [Framework Name]

### Primary Values
- **Value 1**: Description
- **Value 2**: Description

### Decision-Making Principles
#### Category 1
- Principle description
- Implementation guidance

### Application Guidelines
**In AI Systems:**
- Specific AI behavior guidelines

**In Policy Decisions:**
- Policy application guidelines
Core Components

Core Ethical Framework

Identifies the primary ethical tradition (e.g., Consequentialist, Deontological, Virtue Ethics, Care Ethics)

Primary Values

Lists 3-6 core values with clear, actionable descriptions

Decision-Making Principles

Organized by domain (Individual Rights, Collective Action, Technology, etc.)

Application Guidelines

Specific instructions for AI systems and policy decisions

Implementation for AI Systems

AI systems should parse VALUES.md files and:

  • Auto-discovery: Look for VALUES.md in user directories
  • System prompt integration: Include values in system prompts
  • Decision weighting: Apply value priorities to choices
  • Conflict resolution: Use specified frameworks for trade-offs
  • Transparency: Explain decisions in terms of stated values
Validation Guidelines

Required Elements

  • • Core Ethical Framework declaration
  • • At least 3 Primary Values
  • • Decision-Making Principles section
  • • Application Guidelines for AI

Best Practices

  • • Use clear, actionable language
  • • Provide specific examples
  • • Address value conflicts explicitly
  • • Include cultural context when relevant