Check if conflicting values are both terminal — many…

When This Fires

• When two values appear to conflict and you're preparing for a trade-off decision
• Before applying the lexicographic hierarchy (Use lexicographic ordering for value conflicts) to resolve a conflict
• During values clarification when mapping relationships between values
• When a decision feels agonizing because "both sides are important"

Common Failure Mode

Treating instrumental values as terminal: "I value stability" — is stability a terminal value (you want stability for its own sake) or instrumental (you want stability because it enables deep work, family security, or creative risk-taking)? If instrumental, the apparent conflict between stability and adventure may dissolve: you need a stable foundation to take meaningful risks.

The Protocol

(1) When two values conflict, before attempting resolution, check each: "Do I value this for its own sake (terminal) or as a means to something else (instrumental)?" (2) For each instrumental value, trace: "What does this serve? What terminal value is this a means to?" (3) Check for dissolution: does one value actually serve the other? Does resolving the "conflict" in favor of the terminal value also satisfy the instrumental one? (4) If both are genuinely terminal → the conflict is real. Proceed to resolution (Write both values side-by-side and articulate the sacrifice, Use lexicographic ordering for value conflicts). (5) If one is instrumental to the other → the conflict is structural, not genuine. Find the path that satisfies the terminal value through the instrumental one.