autotelic
Definition
Adjective: 1. Having a purpose or justification in itself; being an end in itself: Describes an activity, entity, or person whose primary purpose, meaning, or value is found within itself, not in any external goal, reward, or consequence. 2. Relating to the belief in autotelism: Pertaining to the philosophical concept that a thing's ultimate purpose and value are intrinsic.
Usage and Examples
- Describing an activity:
- For many artists, the creative process is an autotelic experience; the act of painting or writing is fulfilling in itself, regardless of whether the work is ever sold or exhibited.
- He engages in autotelic play, where the enjoyment comes purely from the activity, not from winning or achieving a score.
- Describing a person or mindset:
- She has an autotelic personality, often becoming deeply absorbed in tasks for the sheer satisfaction they provide.
- The researcher's autotelic pursuit of knowledge was driven by curiosity alone.
Advanced Usage
- In Psychology (Flow Theory): An activity is one that is intrinsically rewarding, often leading to a state of "flow" where a person is fully immersed and focused.
- Rock climbing can be an autotelic experience, creating a state of flow where the climber is completely absorbed in the present moment.
- In Philosophy and Aesthetics: Used to describe art or experiences valued for their own sake, following the concept of "art for art's sake."
- The poet advocated for an autotelic view of literature, arguing that a poem's value lies in its form and language, not in any moral or message it might convey.
Variants and Related Words
- Autotelism (noun): The belief or doctrine that a thing, especially a work of art, is an end in itself.
- His philosophy of autotelism rejected the idea that art must serve a social or political purpose.
Synonyms
- Intrinsic
- Self-justifying
- End-in-itself
Antonyms
- Instrumental
- Extrinsic
- Utilitarian
Adjective
-
of or relating to or believing in autotelism
