Instrumental Values

Definition

Instrumental values are a type of value that are considered a means to an end, rather than an end in themselves. They are the tools or actions that help us achieve our desired outcomes or terminal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Instrumental values are often contrasted with terminal values, which are the ultimate ends or goals we seek to achieve.
2. Identifying and prioritizing instrumental values is a key part of ethical decision-making, as it helps us determine the most effective means to reach our desired outcomes.
3. Moral virtues, such as honesty and integrity, are often considered instrumental values because they facilitate the achievement of other terminal values like trust and respect.
4. The concept of instrumental values is closely tied to the philosophical principle of means-ends reasoning, which involves systematically evaluating the appropriate actions or tools needed to reach a specific goal.
5. Instrumental values can be situational and context-dependent, as the most effective means to an end may vary depending on the specific circumstances or desired outcome.

Review Questions

• Explain how instrumental values differ from terminal values and provide an example of each.
  • Instrumental values are the means or tools used to achieve desired outcomes, while terminal values are the ultimate end goals or states we strive to attain. For example, honesty could be considered an instrumental value, as it helps us build trust and credibility, which in turn enables us to achieve other terminal values like success or personal fulfillment. In contrast, happiness or personal growth would be considered terminal values, as they are the intrinsic ends we seek to achieve through our actions and choices.
• Describe the role of instrumental values in ethical decision-making and how they relate to the concept of moral virtue.
  • Instrumental values play a crucial role in ethical decision-making by helping us identify the most effective and appropriate actions to take in order to reach our desired moral outcomes or terminal values. Moral virtues, such as integrity, compassion, and courage, are often considered instrumental values because they facilitate the achievement of other ethical goals, like maintaining trust, promoting well-being, and upholding principles of justice. By aligning our instrumental values with moral virtues, we can more effectively navigate complex ethical dilemmas and work towards the realization of our ultimate ethical aims.
• Analyze how the situational and context-dependent nature of instrumental values can impact an individual's ethical reasoning and decision-making process.
  • The situational and context-dependent nature of instrumental values means that the most effective means to an end can vary depending on the specific circumstances or desired outcome. This can significantly impact an individual's ethical reasoning and decision-making process, as what may be considered an appropriate instrumental value in one situation may not be suitable in another. For example, the instrumental value of honesty may need to be balanced against other values like compassion or discretion when dealing with sensitive personal information. Similarly, the instrumental value of obedience may need to be weighed against the instrumental value of moral courage when faced with an unethical directive. Navigating these contextual nuances is a key part of ethical decision-making, as it requires individuals to carefully consider the most appropriate instrumental values to employ in order to achieve their terminal ethical goals.

Related terms

Terminal Values:

Terminal values are the end goals or desired states that we strive to achieve, such as happiness, freedom, or success.

Means-Ends Reasoning: The process of identifying the appropriate actions or instrumental values needed to reach a desired terminal value or outcome.

Moral Virtue: Positive character traits or moral qualities, such as honesty, courage, or compassion, that are considered instrumental in living an ethical life.