Value in Actions and Choices

Front

Mia helps her friend because she likes seeing her friend happy. Is Mia’s action valuable in itself (intrinsic) or because it leads to something else (instrumental)? Why?

Back

Mia's action is valuable in itself (intrinsic) because she derives happiness from seeing her friend happy.

Front

Liam studies hard to get a good grade on his test. Is Liam’s effort an example of intrinsic or instrumental value? Explain your answer.

Back

Liam's effort is an example of instrumental value because he studies to achieve a specific outcome (a good grade).

Front

Zoe enjoys painting because she loves creating art. Is painting valuable for Zoe in itself or for something it can give her?

Back

Painting is valuable for Zoe in itself (intrinsic) because she enjoys the act of creating art.

Front

Ethan saves his allowance to buy a new video game. Is Ethan’s saving intrinsic or instrumental value? How do you know?

Back

Ethan's saving is an example of instrumental value because he saves to purchase a specific item (the video game).

Front

Sara spends time with her dog because she enjoys playing with him. Is Sara’s time with her dog intrinsically valuable or instrumentally valuable?

Back

Sara's time with her dog is intrinsically valuable because she enjoys the experience of playing with him.

Front

Jay helps his parents with chores so he can get extra pocket money. Does this show intrinsic or instrumental value? Explain your reasoning.

Back

This shows instrumental value because Jay helps to achieve a specific goal (getting extra pocket money).

Front

Lily reads a story just because she likes it, not because she has homework. Is this intrinsic or instrumental? Why?

Back

This is intrinsic value because Lily reads for her own enjoyment, not for an external reward.