What is instrumental value?

Instrumental value refers to the value that something has because it is a means to achieve something else. Something has instrumental value when it is useful for attaining desirable ends. For example, a person might value a car because it is a means to achieve the end of getting to work. The car has instrumental value because it helps the person achieve the goal of getting to work.

Here are some other examples of instrumental values:

* A person might value a college education because it is a means to achieve the end of getting a good job.

* A person might value a stock investment because it is a means to achieve the end of making money.

* A person might value a healthy diet because it is a means to achieve the end of living a long and healthy life.

Instrumental value is contrasted with intrinsic value, which refers to the value that something has in and of itself, regardless of its usefulness for achieving other ends. For example, a person might value a beautiful sunset simply because it is beautiful, not because it helps them achieve any other goals.

Both instrumental value and intrinsic value are important considerations when making decisions about what to value and what to pursue in life. Instrumental values can help us achieve our goals, while intrinsic values can help us enrich our lives and experience more meaning and fulfillment.