Full Idea
On the instrumental conception of rationality, it consists in the effective and efficient achievement of goals, ends, and desires. About the goals themselves it has little to say.
Gist of Idea
In the instrumental view of rationality it only concerns means, and not ends
Source
Robert Nozick (The Nature of Rationality [1993], p.64)
Book Reference
Nozick,Robert: 'The Nature of Rationality' [Princeton 1995], p.64
A Reaction
[He quotes Russell 1954 p.viii as expressing this view] A long way from Greek logos, which obviously concerns the rational selection of right ends (for which, presumably, reasons can be given). In practice our ends may never be rational, of course.
Related Idea
Idea 22663 Rationality is normally said to concern either giving reasons, or reliability [Nozick]