extrinsic desire a desire of something for its conduciveness to something else that one desires. Extrinsic desires are distinguished from intrinsic desires, desires of items for their own sake, or as ends. Thus, an individual might desire financial security extrinsically, as a means to her happiness, and desire happiness intrinsically, as an end. Some desires are mixed: their objects are desired both for themselves and for their conduciveness to something else. Jacques may desire to jog, e.g., both for its own sake (as an end) and for the sake of his health. A desire is strictly intrinsic if and only if its object is desired for itself alone. A desire is strictly extrinsic if and only if its object is not desired, even partly, for its own sake. (Desires for ‘good news’ – e.g., a desire to hear that one’s child has survived a car accident – are sometimes classified as extrinsic desires, even if the information is desired only because of what it indicates and not for any instrumental value that it may have.) Desires of each kind help to explain action. Owing partly to a mixed desire to entertain a friend, Martha might acquire a variety of extrinsic desires for actions conducive to that goal. Less happily, intrinsically desiring to be rid of his toothache, George might extrinsically desire to schedule a dental appointment. If all goes well for Martha and George, their desires will be satisfied, and that will be due in part to the effects of the desires upon their behavior. See also ACTION THEORY, INTENTION , MOTIVATIONAL EXPLANATION , VALU. A.R.M.