intrinsiske

Intrinsiske is the Norwegian plural inflection of the adjective intrinsisk, used to describe something that belongs to the essential nature of a thing or originates from within. The term is common in scientific, philosophical, and psychological contexts to distinguish internal, inherent aspects from those dependent on external factors.

Etymology and meaning

The word derives from Latin intrinsecus, through normative Norwegian formation as intrinsisk and its inflected forms, including intrinsiske. In Norwegian usage, intrinsisk referring to internal essence or value contrasts with external influences or conditions.

Applications and usage

In philosophy and ethics, intrinsiske verdier (intrinsic values) are values held to be valuable in themselves, not merely as means to an end. In science, intrinsiske egenskaper (intrinsic properties) are properties inherent to a substance or system, such as density or melting point, that do not depend on the amount of material or external setup. In psychology and education, intrinsisk motivasjon (intrinsic motivation) describes engagement driven by the activity’s own interest or satisfaction rather than by external rewards.

Relation to broader discourse

Intrinsiske concepts are often contrasted with extrinsic or dependent factors, emphasizing what originates inside a system rather than what is imposed from outside. The term is widely accepted in academic Norwegian and is used across disciplines to denote inherent or internal characteristics, values, and motivations.

See also: intrinsic value, intrinsic motivation, intrinsic properties.