Instrumental Good vs. Intrinsic Good

Attribute	Instrumental Good	Intrinsic Good
Definition	Valued for the end result it brings	Valued for its own sake
Value	Derives value from achieving a desired outcome	Valuable in and of itself
Focus	Focuses on the means to an end	Focuses on the end itself
Subjectivity	Subjective value based on individual goals	Objective value independent of individual goals

Definition of Instrumental Good

Instrumental good refers to something that is considered good because it leads to or helps achieve something else. In other words, instrumental good is a means to an end rather than an end in itself. For example, money is often seen as an instrumental good because it can be used to purchase things that are considered valuable or necessary.

Attributes of Instrumental Good

One key attribute of instrumental good is its relative nature. What is considered instrumental good can vary depending on the context and the goals one is trying to achieve. For example, a car may be considered instrumental good for someone who needs to commute to work, but it may not be as valuable to someone who lives in a city with good public transportation.

Another attribute of instrumental good is its instrumental value. This means that the value of instrumental good is derived from its ability to help achieve a desired outcome. For example, education is often seen as instrumental good because it can lead to better job opportunities and higher earning potential.

Instrumental good is also often characterized by its fungibility. This means that instrumental goods can be exchanged or substituted for one another based on their perceived value in achieving a particular goal. For example, if someone values convenience over cost savings, they may choose to pay for a more expensive but faster shipping option.

Furthermore, instrumental good is often seen as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. This means that instrumental goods are valued for their ability to help achieve a desired outcome, rather than for their intrinsic qualities. For example, a hammer is valued for its ability to drive nails, not for its aesthetic appeal or craftsmanship.

Lastly, instrumental good is often characterized by its instrumental rationality. This means that the pursuit of instrumental goods is often guided by rational decision-making processes aimed at maximizing utility or achieving specific goals. For example, someone may choose to invest in stocks with the goal of maximizing their financial returns.

Definition of Intrinsic Good

Intrinsic good, on the other hand, refers to something that is considered good in and of itself, regardless of its instrumental value or ability to achieve a desired outcome. Intrinsic good is often valued for its inherent qualities or characteristics, rather than for its usefulness in achieving a particular goal.

Attributes of Intrinsic Good

One key attribute of intrinsic good is its inherent value. This means that intrinsic goods are valued for their own sake, rather than for their ability to help achieve a desired outcome. For example, love and friendship are often seen as intrinsic goods because they are valued for the emotional fulfillment and connection they provide, rather than for any instrumental benefits they may offer.

Another attribute of intrinsic good is its non-fungibility. This means that intrinsic goods cannot be easily exchanged or substituted for one another based on their perceived value in achieving a particular goal. For example, the experience of watching a beautiful sunset is valued for its unique beauty and emotional impact, and cannot be replaced by any other experience.

Intrinsic good is also often characterized by its non-instrumental nature. This means that intrinsic goods are valued for their inherent qualities or characteristics, rather than for their ability to help achieve a desired outcome. For example, art and music are often seen as intrinsic goods because they are valued for their creativity, expression, and beauty, rather than for any instrumental benefits they may offer.

Furthermore, intrinsic good is often seen as an end in itself rather than a means to an end. This means that intrinsic goods are valued for their own sake, rather than for their ability to help achieve a desired outcome. For example, spending time with loved ones is often seen as valuable in and of itself, regardless of any instrumental benefits it may provide.

Lastly, intrinsic good is often characterized by its intrinsic rationality. This means that the pursuit of intrinsic goods is often guided by emotional or intuitive decision-making processes aimed at fulfilling personal values or desires, rather than by rational calculations of utility or goal achievement. For example, someone may choose to pursue a career in the arts because of their passion for creativity and self-expression, rather than for any instrumental benefits it may offer.