In general terms, instrumental reason is a specific form of rationality which focuses on effective means to an end and not, as other forms of practical rationality do, on improving living conditions, promoting reasonable agreement, or human understanding. It is one of the most used and most relevant terms in Critical Theory, particularly M. Horkheimer and J. Habermas. It has traditionally meant domination, manipulation of nature and social relations. For Horkheimer, the sophisticated process of strategic choice of means to an end is regarded as the most representative corruption of practical reason.
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Maura, E. (2013). Instrumental Reason. In: Runehov, A.L.C., Oviedo, L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_200937
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_200937
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