instrumentalism
|in-stru-men-tal-ism|
/ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntəlɪzəm/
treating something as a tool/means
Etymology
'instrumentalism' originates from English, formed from the adjective 'instrumental' + the suffix '-ism'. 'Instrumental' itself derives from the noun 'instrument' (a tool or implement).
'instrument' comes from Latin 'instrumentum' meaning 'a tool, implement', which passed into Old French as 'instrument' and then into Middle English as 'instrument'. From this developed the adjective 'instrumental' and later the abstract noun 'instrumentalism' in modern English.
Originally related to physical 'instruments' or tools ('instrumentum' meant 'tool'), the term evolved into an abstract doctrine meaning 'treating theories/things as instruments or means', especially in philosophy of science.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a view in the philosophy of science that scientific theories and concepts are useful instruments or tools for predicting and organizing observations, rather than true or false descriptions of reality.
Instrumentalism holds that a theory's value lies in its predictive power rather than its literal truth.
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Noun 2
the practice or attitude of treating people, policies, or things primarily as means to an end (i.e., as instruments), rather than as having intrinsic value.
Critics accused the administration of instrumentalism, arguing that social programs were valued only for political gain.
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Noun 3
(Less common) Emphasis on or preference for instrumental (non-vocal) music or the use of instruments.
The festival's instrumentalism was clear in its program, which featured only orchestral and chamber works.
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Last updated: 2025/11/18 15:06