Intrinsisista

Intrinsisista is a term that appears in niche philosophical discussions to describe a person who adheres to or advocates intrinsicist or intrinsic-value perspectives. It is not widely used in mainstream peer-reviewed literature and is more commonly encountered in informal debate, speculative essays, and online discourse.

Etymology and sense of the term are straightforward: it is formed from intrinsic, meaning inherent or belonging to something, with the -ista suffix, which signals a practitioner or advocate. The coinage mirrors other occupational or ideological labels such as realist or artist, signaling a stance or specialty rather than an official title.

In theoretical terms, an intrinsisista emphasizes intrinsic properties or inherent worth as the criteria for evaluative judgment. This can involve the view that certain states, relations, or features possess value in themselves, independent of their consequences or uses. In ethics and value theory, intrinsisistas often align with discussions about intrinsic value, though they may differ on what counts as intrinsically valuable. In aesthetics, they may argue that beauty or goodness rests on intrinsic properties of objects or experiences, rather than on external factors like usefulness or social context. In philosophy of mind or metaphysics, the label can attach to positions that prioritize internal or essential aspects of phenomena over relational or instrumental considerations.

Reception and usage vary because the term is not standard. Some scholars treat intrinsisista as a loose informal label rather than a precise doctrine. Critics note that debates about intrinsic value remain unsettled, so labeling a defender as an intrinsisista does not resolve disagreements over what constitutes intrinsic value or how it is identified.

See also: intrinsic value, intrinsic property, extrinsic value, value theory, intrinsicist.