Instrumentally Good

Instrumental goodness, also called extrinsic goodness, hinges entirely on consequences. An action, object, or state of affairs is instrumentally good if it effectively contributes to achieving a desired end. The value is thus dependent on its utility in reaching a separate, independently valuable goal.

The concept is crucial in ethical decision-making. When evaluating actions, we often consider not just their immediate impact but also their potential to lead to positive outcomes. An instrumentally good action may not be pleasant in itself, but its contribution to a greater good justifies its use.

Consider medicine as an example. The taste of medicine is often unpleasant, and its immediate effects may be uncomfortable. However, its ability to restore health makes it instrumentally good, as health is generally considered intrinsically good.

The distinction between instrumental and intrinsic goodness is fundamental in axiology, the study of value. Understanding this difference allows for a more nuanced evaluation of moral choices and the pursuit of worthwhile goals. It helps to clarify why we value certain things and how those values relate to one another.

Historically, the concept of instrumental value has been explored by philosophers across various traditions. Utilitarianism, for instance, places a strong emphasis on the instrumental value of actions in maximizing overall happiness. This consequentialist approach directly links goodness to the outcome produced.

However, instrumental value can be misused. Something can be instrumentally good for one purpose but instrumentally bad for another. A tool used to build a house could also be used to cause harm, highlighting the importance of considering the context and potential consequences.

It is important to note that something can be both instrumentally and intrinsically good. For example, education can be seen as instrumentally good because it can lead to better job opportunities, but also intrinsically good because it expands one's knowledge and understanding.

The value of something that is only instrumentally good is contingent. If the desired end changes or is no longer considered valuable, the instrumental good loses its worth. This highlights the relative and dependent nature of instrumental goodness.