The Extrinsic Dimension

When we talk about value, we're not always speaking of something deep or philosophical. Sometimes, value is simply about how well something works. Can it do what it's meant to do? Is it efficient, reliable, or high quality? That's the heart of the Extrinsic Dimension—one of the three ways Dr. Hartman taught us to understand value.

What Is the Extrinsic Dimension?

The extrinsic dimension is the world of things we can measure, compare, and use. It's the dimension of function and form—of usefulness, action, and productivity. It includes anything with definable characteristics or observable traits: a car, a cup of coffee, a spreadsheet, even a handshake.

You experience this dimension every day through your five senses. You perceive colors, hear sounds, touch textures, and form judgments about appearance, size, speed, cost, and quality. Whether tangible or intangible, if something can be described, compared, or counted, it belongs in the extrinsic dimension.

We tend to judge and value things—including ourselves and other people—based on the extrinsic attributes our senses perceive: tall, short, attractive, plain, fast, delicious, green, fragrant.

A World of Function and Comparison

Think about a chair, tools, food, or a tank of gas. These are extrinsic things—they have specific properties and functions. A chair is only as good as its stability and comfort. One chair may be superior to another because it's stronger, lighter, or more elegant. But one thing is clear: in the extrinsic dimension, almost nothing is truly unique. If two things share similar properties, they can often be exchanged—one for the other.

This is the realm of "better" or "worse," "more" or "less." Unlike the binary logic of the systemic dimension, extrinsic values exist in degrees. A slightly wobbly chair may still be useful, but not as good as one that's solid. We use these kinds of comparisons to make decisions daily—decisions about what to purchase, what to build, and how to best use our time and energy.

The extrinsic dimension isn't only about usable and consumable things. It's also about doing things—taking action and producing results.

Why It Matters

Extrinsic value matters because it helps us live more efficiently and effectively. It's how we solve problems, meet goals, and improve quality of life. We use extrinsic judgment to ask:

Is this the best tool for the task?

Will this option save time or money?

Does this action yield a better result?

But here's the challenge: if we lack a clear sense of purpose—what would make something good, what properties it should have, and a way to determine whether it possesses them—we risk making poor judgments and decisions.

When Extrinsic Thinking Goes Wrong

When our extrinsic judgments are misaligned, we can misjudge situations, waste resources, and pursue outcomes that don't serve us well. We may overvalue things like money or status—or undervalue things like craftsmanship, timing, or simplicity. All too often, we don't realize we've misjudged until it's too late. And sometimes, we forget to ask a deeper question: What is the purpose of doing this in the first place?

A Final Word

While the extrinsic dimension is essential as the domain of doing—where we act, build, measure, and improve—it's not the whole story. Because ultimately, the real purpose of making sound extrinsic judgments and making wise use of extrinsic things is to create greater value in the realm of something of even higher worth: quality of life.