Instrumental value refers to the value that something has by virtue of its being conducive to the obtainment of something else of value. As such, to value something instrumentally is to value it as a means to some other end. For instance, currency has merely an instrumental value to most people, in so far as it enables them to procure other goods and services that they value. This entry discusses the difference between instrumental and intrinsic value as well as how this distinction pertains to the ethical responsibilities of businesses to both human stakeholders and the natural environment.

The idea of instrumental value is thus usually contrasted with that of intrinsic value. To value something intrinsically is to value it in and of itself, for its ...