Individual Roots:
* Axio-: Meaning "worthy," "valuable," or "principle." This is the root of words like "axiom," "axiology" (the study of values), and "axiological."
* Ethos-: Meaning "custom," "habit," or "character." This root refers to the moral character and values of a person or group, and it forms words like "ethics" and "ethic."
* Nomos-: Meaning "law," "rule," or "custom." This relates to the established rules and principles that govern a system of values, and it appears in words like "autonomous" and "nomos."
* Arete-: Meaning "excellence" or "virtue." This refers to the ideal qualities and values that are strived for within a system.
Combinations:
* Axio-nomos: Could be interpreted as a "system of principles" or "system of values based on principles."
* Ethos-nomos: Could refer to "customary values" or "a system of values based on traditions."
* Axio-arete: Could be interpreted as "the pursuit of excellence through values."
Ultimately, the best Greek root combination to represent "a system of values" would depend on the specific context and the nuances you wish to emphasize.