instrumental rationality

noun

A specific form of rationality focusing on the most efficient or cost-effective means to achieve a specific end, but not in itself reflecting on the value of that end.

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Meanings

nouninstrumental rationality (uncountable)
  1. uncountablehuman sciencesA specific form of rationality focusing on the most efficient or cost-effective means to achieve a specific end, but not in itself reflecting on the value of that end.
Cite this entry
APA

instrumental rationality. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/instrumental%20rationality

MLA

“instrumental rationality.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/instrumental%20rationality. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “instrumental rationality,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/instrumental%20rationality.

Source: instrumental rationality on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.