Itseisarvoisista

Itseisarvoisista refers to values that are considered intrinsic, meaning they are valuable in themselves rather than as a means to an end. The base term itseisarvoinen means intrinsically valuable, and it is common in Finnish philosophical and ethical writings to discuss intrinsic values in plural forms such as itseisarvoiset or itseisarvoisista when referring to particular sets of values.

In ethical discourse, intrinsic value is contrasted with instrumental or extrinsic value. Intrinsic value is attributed to things or beings because of what they are, not because of what they can achieve for someone else. For example, many discussions treat human life, autonomy, or dignity as having intrinsic worth, while wealth or convenience may be considered primarily instrumental.

Philosophical background areas the term is associated with include deontological theories, which often emphasize the intrinsic worth of rational agents, and moral philosophy debates about whether any properties are valuable in themselves. Historical figures such as Immanuel Kant and later discussions by G. E. Moore have shaped how intrinsic value is understood, including the question of whether value can be known independently of practical consequences or empirical description.

In Finnish usage, itseisarvoisista is employed to articulate normative claims about what is valuable in or of itself, supporting arguments for rights, dignity, and moral status independent of outcomes. The concept remains a central point of contention in metaethics, with ongoing debates about whether any realities possess intrinsic value and how such value can be identified or justified.

See also: intrinsic value, instrumental value, moral status, Kant, Moore.