Intrinsic Values

Definition

Intrinsic values are the inherent worth or importance of something, independent of its usefulness or desirability. They are the inherent qualities that make something valuable in and of itself, rather than for its practical applications or consequences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intrinsic values are often associated with moral and ethical considerations, as they are seen as inherently good or valuable regardless of their consequences.
2. Examples of intrinsic values include happiness, knowledge, beauty, justice, and the sanctity of life, which are considered valuable in themselves, not just for their practical benefits.
3. Intrinsic values are often contrasted with extrinsic values, which are based on the usefulness or desirability of something for achieving a particular goal or outcome.
4. The concept of intrinsic values is central to many ethical and philosophical frameworks, such as Kantian deontology, which emphasizes the inherent worth of individuals and their autonomy.
5. Debates around intrinsic values often involve questions about the objectivity or subjectivity of value judgments, and the role of reason, emotion, and cultural influences in determining what is valuable.

Review Questions

• Explain the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic values, and provide examples of each.
  • Intrinsic values are the inherent worth or importance of something, independent of its usefulness or desirability. Examples of intrinsic values include happiness, knowledge, beauty, justice, and the sanctity of life, which are considered valuable in themselves. In contrast, extrinsic values are the worth or importance of something based on its external properties, such as its usefulness, desirability, or ability to achieve a desired outcome. Examples of extrinsic values include wealth, power, and social status, which are often valued for their instrumental value in achieving other goals or outcomes.
• Discuss how the concept of intrinsic values is central to ethical and philosophical frameworks, such as Kantian deontology.
  • The concept of intrinsic values is central to many ethical and philosophical frameworks, such as Kantian deontology, which emphasizes the inherent worth of individuals and their autonomy. Kantian deontology holds that actions should be guided by moral duties and principles, rather than by their consequences. This aligns with the idea of intrinsic values, as it suggests that certain actions or qualities are inherently good or valuable, regardless of their practical benefits or outcomes. The emphasis on the inherent worth of individuals, for example, is a key tenet of Kantian ethics and reflects the importance of intrinsic values in moral reasoning and decision-making.
• Analyze the role of subjectivity and objectivity in debates around intrinsic values, and how cultural influences can shape perceptions of what is valuable.
  • Debates around intrinsic values often involve questions about the objectivity or subjectivity of value judgments. While some philosophers argue that there are universal, objective intrinsic values, others contend that intrinsic values are inherently subjective and shaped by individual preferences, beliefs, and cultural influences. The role of reason, emotion, and cultural context in determining what is valuable is a central point of discussion. For example, the value placed on concepts like beauty, justice, or the sanctity of life can vary significantly across different societies and historical periods, suggesting that intrinsic values are not entirely objective but are influenced by subjective and cultural factors. Understanding this interplay between subjectivity and objectivity is crucial in navigating debates around the nature and significance of intrinsic values.

Related terms

Extrinsic Values:

Extrinsic values are the worth or importance of something based on its external properties, such as its usefulness, desirability, or ability to achieve a desired outcome.

Moral Values: Moral values are principles or standards of right and wrong behavior that guide an individual's or society's actions and decisions.

Subjective Values: Subjective values are the personal or individual preferences, beliefs, and judgments about what is valuable or important, which can vary from person to person.