1. The problem is to find the value of $\cos 60^\circ$. 2. Recall the cosine function for special angles. The cosine of $60^\circ$ is a well-known value from the unit circle. 3. The formula or rule is: $\cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2}$. 4. Therefore, the value of $\cos 60^\circ$ is $\frac{1}{2}$. 5. This means the cosine of 60 degrees equals one half, which is a fundamental trigonometric value.