Comment by ses1984
9 hours ago
We are mincing words.
I don’t think collaboration, altruism, and other pro social traits are exclusive of instrumentalizing.
Whatever word you want to use that encompasses pro social behaviors, let’s use that word if you don’t like instrumentalizing.
> We are mincing words.
Good point.
These words are unfortunately loaded. "instrumentalizing" is so close to "instrument" for me to see them as unrelated in meaning. But lots of similar words drift in meaning, or have several interpretations.
I don't have any issue with people doing things for "natural" reasons, vs. realpolitik analytical reasons, when the motive is still benefit-neutral, or benefit-benefit relative to ourselves-others.