Praxis

Do we pursue our goals because they are intrinsically valuable or because they help us to achieve something we want down the line?

Your answers to this question will determine what kind of activity you are undertaking: praxis or poiesis. These are ancient philosophy terms, first introduced by Aristotle. Praxis describes a kind of activity that is done in and for itself: the action itself is the goal. For example, if you are completing a presentation for the sake of enjoying the work, or if you are going to the gym because you enjoy exercise, you are adhering to praxis. The end goal of these tasks is the actions themselves. However, if you are completing these tasks for a different end goal (e.g., in order to lose weight), then you are performing poiesis. These activities have an end goal of production.¹