Value theory

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/value-theory

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary domain?Philosophy, specifically axiology
2. What is the core distinction?Intrinsic value (good in itself) versus instrumental value (good as a means)
3. What is the difference between intrinsic and instrumental value?Intrinsic value means something is good just by itself, while instrumental value means something is good because it helps us reach other good things.
4. What are some kinds of values?Values can be economic, moral, political, aesthetic, or religious, and they can be seen as absolute or relative to people or situations.

Axiology: The philosophical study of value, encompassing both ethics and aesthetics.
Intrinsic Value: The quality of being good or desirable in and of itself, independent of any external factors or consequences.
Instrumental Value: The quality of being good or desirable as a means to achieve some other end or goal.
Value Pluralism: The view that there are multiple, distinct, and potentially incommensurable sources of intrinsic value.