Is the Fulfillment of Desire an Intrinsic Good?

By Russell L. Martin <rangjung21@hotmail.com>

Is the Fulfillment of Desire an Intrinsic Good?
By: Russell L. Martin

John Hospers uses two terms that may help one approach this question. He discusses whether or not something is “intrinsically good” or “instrumentally good”(114). So, maybe the question could use a little reworking. Is the fulfillment of desire an intrinsic or instrumental good? According to Hospers an intrinsic good is something that is “worthwhile as an end” while an instrumental good is something that serves as a means toward an end (114). One can speculate that the fulfillment of desire can be both intrinsic and instrumental. The type of goodness depends upon the desire which has been fulfilled. If, for instance, one desires money as opposed to happiness then there is a distinct difference in the type of goodness obtained.
If one fulfills the desire of being a millionaire it is doubtful that person will stop at this goal. While the accomplishment of acquiring a million dollars would be a good thing, it is still instrumental by nature. One would probably move on to wanting more money or varying possessions.
Happiness, on the other hand, is a worthwhile end. Once one has obtained happiness there is no need to go any further in pursuit of something more gratifying. If, therefore, the fulfilled desire is happiness then that fulfillment is an intrinsic good.
Thus, the fulfillment of desire can be an intrinsic good depending upon the desire that has been fulfilled.

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Tom Lundis <Kman26@hotmail.com>

I like the way you gave an example of how seeking desire could have to possible types of good. This comparison was very helpful in understanding the question.


Gina Baker <Daphine10@hotmail.com>

Your paper was really good. I agree with what you are saying about if someone wants to be millionare once they reach that goal then they are still searching for something else to make them happy. But I think that is the case no matter what you do. whatever you have you always want something more.


Michael T Tucker <tuckerm@greenwood.net>

Good job on your paper. I like the millionaire example.


Leah Patterson <coco_c_007@hotmail.com>

I totally agree with your millionaire example, but I'm not sure I agree with the happiness scenario. I get the idea that you're using happiness as a goal that can be reached -- once you've attained happiness, you don't need to find anything else because, well, you're happy being happy. But those who are generally considered to be "truly happy" in life will tell you that happiness isn't something you search for. The more you search for happiness, the more it eludes you. I'm not sure whether this comment has any real relevance to your paper or whether I completely misinterpreted what I read.


Brian Bearden <bbearden@student.lander.edu>

Good paper, but need to explore the question in more detail.


Anna C. Nance <eirendel@yahoo.com>

This paper was very well thought out and stated.


Amy Young <bbfhyoung@yahoo.com>

Leah made an interesting point. If you are a follower of taoism and other Eastern religions you would believe as Leah does. Searching for something will never lead to anything. If we are a society that is greedy about money why wouldn’t we be greedy about happiness as well? I really thought that your paper was well thought out excellent job.


Rachel Crowe <rcrowe@usa.net>

Your paper was written well and easy to follow. Are there desires other than happiness that could be fulfilled and be intrinsic goods?


Matthew Knight <mknight_dsb@hotmail.com>

Good job on your paper. I agree with the millionare example that as long as we seek material goals, we will never be truly satisfied.


Chun Yeung <jane1227@yahoo.com>

I agree with you that the fulfillment of desire can be an intrinsic good depending upon the desire that has been fulfilled. However, I disagree the part about happiness. I think if a person searches for happiness, most likely he or she doesn't know what is happiness, and never stops searching for happiness. Also, how do you know that you have found your happiness? If you wanted to be a millionaire, you know you have reached your desire when you have a million dollars. But happiness, how?


Demetri Andrews <dandrews92@hotmail.com>

I agree. Thanks for giving such clear explanations for the terms "intrinsic good" and "instrumental good."


Jamie Meadows <riojeepgrl>

Great paper, but I hate to think that if one day I do achieve my desire(s) I will still desire more and my longing will never cease. But, great paper and examples.


Nick Hart <hart125@hotmail.com>

Good paper, It seems that there is always something more we can do or want to do.


Tim Andrews <tandrews@emeraldis.com>

The examples of acquiring money and happiness make your point very clear


Michelle Komski <michellekomski@hotmail.com>

I agree with your paper to an extent but wouldn't it be possible to continue to seek more happiness? I think you can become happier than what you first experience as happiness.


jennifer lester <lesterjennifer@hotmail.com>

interesting paper


Due Date <3-27-00>

Formal comments completed.


Due Date <3-27-00>

Formal comments completed.


Nichole Sanders <snk79@hotmail.com>

I agree. Good paper.


Due Date <3/27/00>

Formal Comments Completed