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In instrumentalism, technology is not valued for its own sake but is seen as a means to an end, with the primary consideration being the attainment of specific objectives or the resolution of issues.

Instrumentalists often adopt an anti-essentialist stance, rejecting the idea that technology has an inherent essence or nature beyond its function or the role it plays in human activities.

John Dewey was a key proponent of instrumentalism, arguing that the value of technology and scientific concepts lies in their usefulness for addressing human problems.

Instrumentalism diverges from realism, which posits that technology reflects an objective reality. Instrumentalists argue that the functionality and usefulness of technology are more important than their representational accuracy.

Instrumentalism is a philosophical approach that views technology primarily as tools created by humans to achieve practical goals and solve problems.

Instrumentalism influences science and technology policy by advocating for the development and application of technologies that are directly linked to the achievement of societal objectives and the addressing of concrete problems.

Instrumentalists critique technological determinism by arguing that technology does not determine societal outcomes; rather, people use technology in various ways depending on social and cultural contexts.