A qualitative value system is one where value is measured by qualities that are not quantifiable, or where the value is not always directly correlated with quantity.  Examples of such qualities include: joy, warmth, freedom, beauty, well-being, justice, and sustainability.  Since all of these values are relative and subjective, they will be different based on who is perceiving them, and/or have a built-in concept of sufficiency.

Such value systems are also known as human-based or living value systems, since they are instinctive and naturally occurring in humans and many other organisms.

The opposite of a qualitative value system is a quantitative value system.

source: Andrew Welch