the ends justify the means philosophy

To justify their ends by some type of means sometimes involves doing a wrong thing when trying to achieve a positive end. A Machiavellian Perspective A characteristic behavior in today’s society is the belief that the ends justifies the means. State. For example, if your goal is to save lives, it's okay to cheat, steal, and lie to accomplish your goal. It is therefore important to fairly tackle this question by viewing Machiavelli’s work as being less of a philosophical discourse than a mere political guide. Does end justify the means or the means justify the end? The phrase the ends justify the means means it is okay to do something wrong if the final result is something very good. Yamazaki's story is also one of striking juxtapositions, an account of a Japanese-American's encounter with racism, the story of a man who fought for his country while his parents were interned in a concentration camp in Arkansas. Sometimes unethical actions reap rewards. The phrase itself was born of tyrants and spoken to justify tyranny throughout history. The ends/means dilemma is a popular scenario in ethics discussions. A government stepping all over citizen's rights in order to accomplish something else without consent does not justify anything. Usually, the question goes something like this: “If you could save the world by killing someone, would you do it?” If the answer is “yes,” then a morally right outcome justifies the use of immoral means to achieve it. Written by Publius Ovidius Naso a.k.a Ovid in the collection Heroides (The Heroines), Ovid's most influential work. He is well known for the phrase "the end justifies the means" which is continually being the subject of discussions and discourses today (Adams and Dyson). With Machiavelli's principles, we are now faced with the issue whether the desired ends is justified by the means used to achieve them. VIC. And popular arguments against utilitarianism often are constructed around thought experiments. "The means justify the end" is a variation. The phrase “the end justifies the means” is used to suggest that any activity, whether or not that activity could be considered ethically or morally bad, is worth doing so long as a desired end result is achieved. More unfortunate is the fact that some secularized people in the church also adopt this philosophy, which is contrary to the Word of God. Consequentialism, as its name suggests, is simply the view that normative properties depend only on consequences. Laws are put into place for a reason. #10. The end justifies the means is not a valid excuse for the assassination of undesirables. Teleological theories differ among themselves on the nature of the particular end that actions ought to promote. These are some of our most cherished ideas about democracy. But Jason Brennan says they are all wrong. In this trenchant book, Brennan argues that democracy should be judged by its results—and the results are not good enough. The basic idea is that a policy can be judged by its outcome. Ever since its first publication in 1992, The End of History and the Last Man has provoked controversy and debate. The Greek writer Sophocles wrote "The end excuses any evil." The ends justify the means: without an end a means would be a mere instrument without value . If any worthwhile end can justify the means to attain it, a true ethical foundation is lost. Claim: Niccolò Machiavelli said, "the ends justify the means." *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. For his part, Saul was willing to exterminate the life of an innocent man, willing to betray his word, willing to sin against God’s will. Sometimes unethical actions reap rewards. The only good thing about it is it has been getting easier to see it for what it is. Found insideIn Drugs, Money and Secret Handshakes, Robin Feldman shines a light into the dark corners of the pharmaceutical industry to expose a web of shadowy deals in which higher-priced drugs receive favorable treatment and patients are channeled ... One of the major political thinkers known to us is Niccolo Machiavelli. Is there any end in the world that would justify any means however horrible? The Ethics of Deception in Social Science Research,” Research Ethics: Fifteen Cases and Commentaries, Volume 1, Brian Schrag Editor 5. Natural disasters and cholera outbreaks. Ebola, SARS, and concerns over pandemic flu. HIV and AIDS. E. coli outbreaks from contaminated produce and fast foods. Threats of bioterrorism. Contamination of compounded drugs. The Bible does not teach that the ends justify the means. Specifically, we ought to examine our nature as human beings to see what is essential for us to function well as members of our species. This statement has been discussed widely in context of the great Indian epic "Mahabharat". There are also the questions that reflect on if living in a society affect morality. For example, some students I have taught justified lying on their resume because it could help them get a job. This article is about the famous quote that is claimed to have been said by Niccolo Machiavelli that seemingly defends his particular view of consequentialism. It means that if a goal is morally important enough, any method of getting it is acceptable. By identifying a rigorous structure of principles behind Machiavelli's historical examples, the book should also open up fresh debates about his relationship to later philosophers, including Rousseau, Hobbes, and Kant. Of Means and Ends [Forget moral or ethical considerations] "The end is what you want, the means is how you get it. Found insideIndividual theories are discussed in detail in the first part of the book, before these positions are applied to a wide range of contemporary situations including business ethics, sexual ethics, and the acceptability of eating animals. Human nature is naturally focused on outcomes. The ends justify the means, falsely justifies that hate, oppression and fear leaves us enveloped in corrupt desolation. When the ends justify the means … Culture & Politics by Stephen Sander 16 June 2015 17 June 2016 Consequentialism is a group of normative ethical theories which hold that the consequences of one’s conduct are the ultimate basis for judging the rightness or wrongness of the conduct in question. The difference is only that the Jack Nicholson character expresses himself in … This is why this is a scenario where anybody who uses an "ends justifies the means" philosophy correctly would understand it would be a poor decision to do such a thing. The end justifies the means is a phrase of Sergey Nechayev, the 19th century Russian revolutionary.It means that if a goal is morally important enough, any method of getting it is acceptable.. They justify the wrong act by pointing to the outcome that was good. Dec 21, 2007. People tend to want to know if the virtue leads to happiness and if the ends justify the means, or is a virtuous action virtuous in and of itself? The most relevant of his political philosophy in this respect and judging from today’s events in Parliament can easily be described as “the Ends Justifying the Means”! The Ends Justifies The Means: No Excuse. A yes to that question would make you an extreme supporter of the phrase. The third guideline of the ethics of means-ends that Alinsky set out was that, in war, the end mainly justifies any means. The Jesuits And Why The End Justifies The Means who states that he should be ashamed of a life he is leading because it is going to bring him to an untimely end further accuses Socrates. Immanuel Kant’s Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals is one of the most important texts in the history of ethics. Machiavelli is one of the most famous strategists of all time. In this collection he discusses the dangers of conspiracies, and the component parts of an army, vital for gaining and holding power in his day. For example, some students I have taught justified lying on their resume because it could help them get a job. Consequentialism is the brand of normative ethics that subscribes to the moral philosophy that "the ends justify the means." If, after analyzing everything (consequences included)in the ends, one decides to proceed then things are justified. However, I would posit a utilitarian expression of consequentialism: the means only justify the ends; only if the ends promote the greatest good. The End Justifies the Means: The end justifies the means is an ethical and political statement, it suggests that the worth of an action is determined from its outcome. Found insideIn Worst Case Bioethics, George Annas employs contemporary disputes involving death and disaster to explore the radical changes underway in public health practice, the application of constitutional law to medicine, and human rights ... If the ends are good and the means are good, then the ends justify the means :) level 2. The ends justify the means. It was part of a political philosophy called consequentialism.The basic idea is that a policy can be judged by its outcome. The consequentialist philosophical viewpoint judges the morality of an action not by its actual consequences (outcomes), but by the probable / foreseeable / intended (depending on your favorite flavor) consequences at the time the decision was taken, as … Of course the utilitarians had numerous definitions of what the ‘good’ consisted. Discourses on Livy is the founding document of modern republicanism, and Harvey C. Mansfield and Nathan Tarcov have provided the definitive English translation of this classic work. This means actions people take are justified regardless of how they go about achieving their desired end result. The ends justify the means: without an end a means would be a mere instrument without value . No matter how noble your intended goal, you cannot achieve it ethically through an action that is evil in itself. But ends do not justify means that corrupt them. We see on the one hand King Saul, working under the philosophy that the end justifies the means; and we see David at work under the philosophy of living in righteousness and integrity before God. The reason the dictum “the ends justify the means” is usually dismissed, is that it would allow for an action that are unequivocally bad in itself if only it produces an ultimately good result. Teleological ethics This concept is exemplified by the famous aphorism, “the end justifies the means,” i.e. The phrase "the end justifies the means" is used to suggest that any activity , whether or not that activity could be considered ethically or morally bad, is worth it so long as a desired end result is achieved. Examples of this include cheating at sports in order to win a game, or lying during an election cycle so to get elected. Can the Ends Justify the Means? Do the ends justify the means? If the book endeavors to dissociate political action from common morality, the question still remains today, not why, but for whom Machiavelli wrote. For princes, or for those who want to resist them? Teleological ethics, (teleological from Greek telos, “end”; logos, “science”), theory of morality that derives duty or moral obligation from what is good or desirable as an end to be achieved. This ideology is very often associated with terrible dictators and death and genocide, but I think that far more people actually hold it than let on. Technically speaking: Very often the end determines the means, and sometimes the means determines the end. This concept is exemplified by the famous aphorism, "the end justifies the means," variously attributed to Machiavelli or Ovid i.e. The Ends Justify The Means Niccolo Machiavelli. If you are adopting or adapting this book for a course, please let us know on our adoption form for the Introduction to Philosophy open textbook series: https: //docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwf2E7bRGvWefjhNZ07kgpgnNFxVxxp ... No, it never does. You could justify anything using those rules. The End Justifies The Means Philosophy. Though the revised edition of A Theory of Justice, published in 1999, is the definitive statement of Rawls's view, so much of the extensive literature on Rawls's theory refers to the first edition. This was Machiavelli's identifying line to many people, and in my conversations with them, I got the impression that Machiavelli meant the following: that, given an ends profitable enough, any means, even a very immoral one, is justifiable. What is the end justifies the means philosophy? The Jesuits And Why The End Justifies The Means [Fulop-Miller, Rene] on Amazon.com. As children, we learned the ancient moral principle that a good end never justifies an evil means to arrive there. If there’s a law forcing people to suffer unnecessarily, it should be broken. The ends do not justify the means ….. but the results can, sometimes. Well it all depends upon the means used to achieve the end. This new edition of Language and Woman's Place not only makes available once again the pioneering text of feminist linguistics; just as important, it places the text in the context of contemporary feminist and gender theory for a new ... In response, Socrates states that man is good for absolutely nothing in life except for the choices that they make, good or bad. [Kant says no] Kant says no; that’s correct. Teleological theories differ among themselves on the nature of the particular end that actions ought to promote. If you want to take a step back and pretend to be a third person observer, the end will justify the means when and only when the cost to society of the means is less than the gains made by the end. This mindset of the Super-Power Nation called the USA (mostly implemented after WW II) and adopted and supported by the illegitimate State of Israel is a mindset which leads to total destruction of all life on this planet as the final END. Socrates said that moral philosophy deals with 'no small matter, but how we ought to live'. Consequentialism. First published Tue May 20, 2003; substantive revision Mon Jun 3, 2019. Consequentialism is the brand of normative ethics that subscribes to the moral philosophy that "the ends justify the means." The idea is ancient, but it was not meant to justify unnecessary cruelty. Broad in scope, yet precise in exposition, the Sixth Edition of this highly acclaimed ethics text has been infused with new insights and updated material. Arjun was forced to kill his brothers and gurus in the war in order to bring an end to the evil power and that too by deceit and tricks. Sure. “Do The Ends Justify the Means? He wrongly believed in Aryan supremacy and went about to use that as a justification. The end justifies the means because there is no good or bad. It means that any means is justified if the end achieved is a ‘greater’ good. Basically, the end justifies the means; or as Søren Kierkegaard put it (in a surprisingly consequentialist remark), there is a ‘teleological suspension of the ethical’ (Fear and Trembling, 1843). Means are the methods used to achieve goals. Oct 30, 2012. Found inside – Page 146The selection of means and ends is significantly important in order that the ... The two opposite views are : ( 1 ) Does the end justify the means ? No, it does not. “The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced.” (Aldous Huxley) In my opinion, I believe that the ends do justify the means to a certain extent. It was part of a political philosophy called consequentialism. “The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced.” (Aldous Huxley) In my opinion, I believe that the ends do justify the means to a certain extent. This book is a searching, lyrical exploration of the meaning of justice, one that invites readers of all political persuasions to consider familiar controversies in fresh and illuminating ways. We see on the one hand King Saul, working under the philosophy that the end justifies the means; and we see David at work under the philosophy of living in righteousness and integrity before God. Teleological ethics This concept is exemplified by the famous aphorism, “the end justifies the means,” i.e. We … The difference is only that the Jack Nicholson character expresses himself in … The ends justify the means. The problem with government means is that when the results are disappointing, they are seldom repealed. Teleological theories differ among themselves on the nature of the particular end that actions ought to promote. Though, the idea that man exists for the state is still dominant idea with many citizens in modern-day Russia. Usually, the question goes something like this: “If you could save the world by killing someone, would you do it?” If the answer is “yes,” then a morally right outcome justifies the use of immoral means to achieve it. This can have some unsettling implications, which is likely where the opponents of utilitarianism find their reasons for believing that the ends do not justify the means. This means actions people take are justified regardless of how they go about achieving their desired end result. The wrong justification can be seen in some horrors in human history such as the Holocaust, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagaski, the World Wars, and even the bombing of the World Trade Center. Basically, the end justifies the means; or as Søren Kierkegaard put it (in a surprisingly consequentialist remark), there is a ‘teleological suspension of the ethical’ (Fear and Trembling, 1843). Niccolo Machiavelli advocates many cutthroat policies in The Prince in his effort to model the perfect leader, one who would place the utmost importance on preserving his power and his state rather than dealing with moral dilemmas. #8. short answer is it depends on the end and the means, as pointed out by FL. the end justifies the means meaning: 1. said about a situation in which the final aim is so important that any way of achieving it is…. Presents a groundbreaking investigation into the origins of morality at the core of religion and politics, offering scholarly insight into the motivations behind cultural clashes that are polarizing America. (…ever?) Does the end justify the means? They believe that the wrongs committed to attain a goal are excusable once the outcome is good. The ends/means dilemma is a popular scenario in ethics discussions. In philosophy, Emmanuel Kant’s theory of morality gives an insight of means and ends. Can the Ends Justify the Means? With Machiavelli’s principles, we are now faced with the issue whether the desired ends is justified by the means … Most intellectuals are strongly opposed to utilitarianism, which is also an ends justify the means moral system. Though, the idea that man exists for the state is still dominant idea with many citizens in modern-day Russia. 11 years ago. Learn more. This was inspired by the "kill two people to save one" thread that was started a few days ago. There are also more complex cases where the ends may justify the means. This introductory book on the new science of networks takes an interdisciplinary approach, using economics, sociology, computing, information science and applied mathematics to address fundamental questions about the links that connect us, ... Philosophy / The End Justifies The Means; The End Justifies The Means . It is not always easy. As WS2 pointed out, this makes "the ends justify the means" a very different kind of phrase from "a penny saved is a penny earned." “Brains before bullets” – ancient and modern wisdom for “mechanics and motorcycle enthusiasts” Essential reading for fans of the show, this book takes readers deeper into the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, the Teller-Morrow ... The End Justifies the Means. Does the end justify the means philosophy? Briefly define Means and Ends; in simple terms, ends are the goals or results. The origins of the phrase go back to consequentialism. … The phrase “the end justifies the means” is used to suggest that any activity, whether or not that activity could be considered ethically or morally bad, is worth doing so long as a desired end result is achieved. The Ends Justify the Means. Posted Oct 25, 2019 We see on the one hand King Saul, working under the philosophy that the end justifies the means; and we see David at work under the philosophy of living in righteousness and integrity before God. With The Prince and its underlying themes as relevant as ever today, get caught up quickly with this resourceful guide. And when the agents ask him whether he’s selling, he’s going to have an ethical reason to lie. "The end justifies the means" does not justify the means. The origins of the phrase go back to consequentialism. The means is only justified if it is ethically correct. What Does the End Justifies the Means Mean? However, if the computer decides that the only way to achieve this means is to destroy mankind (thereby ending all disease), then we can agree that in this case the Ends did NOT justify the Means. For his part, Saul was willing to exterminate the life of an innocent man, willing to betray his word, willing to sin against God’s will. As WS2 pointed out, this makes "the ends justify the means" a very different kind of phrase from "a penny saved is a penny earned." That is, states of emergency confronting an exceptional situation. So, in short, yes, the ends do justify the means if the moral gains of the ends are greater than the moral losses by the means. For example, Chazal say that when Aharon haKohen saw 2 people were in a fight, he would approach each one of them and say that the other was sorry for having wronged the other, but was too embarrassed to come forth and say so. Includes classic articles by key figures such Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Henry Sidgwick and G. E. Moore; and recent reactions to this work by philosophers including Philip Pettit, Derek Parfit, Samuel Scheffler, Peter Railton, R. B. ... The man of action views the issue of means and ends in pragmatic and strategic terms. Filled with fascinating characters, dramatic storytelling, and cutting-edge science, this is an engrossing exploration of the secrets our brains keep from us—and how they are revealed. On the other hand, if the ends justify the means—if your ethical interest focuses on the consequences of an act instead of what you actually do—then the ethics change. Found insideThis book locates a key to that future in the distant past: specifically, in the philosophical traditions of virtue ethics developed by classical thinkers from Aristotle and Confucius to the Buddha. Schroeder: Why the end doesn't justify the means, but the means can always justify the end. THE ENDS ALWAYS JUSTIFY THE MEANS. “The ends always justify the means” has been the axiom of the collectivist (Marxist, communist, socialist, progressive, Democrat – all virtually the same) from the beginning of time. When this is the code by which you live, you can always justify putting politics above principle. Found insideModern media are used in this book to exemplify the tactics Machiavelli advocated and to comprehensively demonstrate that Machiavelli intended for government actors and those exercising power in other contexts to fight for a greater good ... Read Time 3 min. Do moral ends justify immoral means? There are differing schools of thought with some justifying any means for achieving the goals while others uphold the need for right means … Therefore peace or "fairness" isn't exactly enough to simply justify that the end does not justify the mean because people who fight for freedom or fairness almost always take it … Prior to reading The Prince, I had heard of the aphorism:. For instance, if an "all-knowing, all powerful" computer is programmed to end all disease, we can all agree that is a justifiable "Ends". Unfortunately, this is the philosophy of many people. This book aims to deliver significant scientific progress on the problem of the erosion of geomaterials, focusing on the mechanical/physical aspect. But ends do not justify means that corrupt them. In other words, the end justifies the means, and this is what I will be arguing. For the subjects involved, how do the consequences of participation in the experiment differ from those in … Does the end justify the means philosophy? Definition of the end justifies the means —used to say that a desired result is so good or important that any method, even a morally bad one, may be used to achieve itThey believe that the end justifies the means and will do anything to get their candidate elected. Utilitarianism believes in the concept of the ‘end justifies the means’. It is not always easy. Machiavelli is credited with coining the phrase, “the end justifies the means” but there is no proof that he actually said it. But his writings conveyed the same idea, that morality was relative to what was needed, and what was justified to maintain power,... Deontological ethics is commonly contrasted to consequentialism, virtue ethics, and … CMV. One of the biggest lies ever adopted as truth has been the philosophy that a good end is justified by any means necessary—good or bad. Whenever we think about social change, the question of means and ends arises. A characteristic behavior in today’s society is the belief that the ends justifies the means. Order custom writing paper now! “What if torturing someone would make society better off.” In arguing that the ‘ends justify the means’, Machiavelli provides a practical guide to princes in a bid to achieve their success. The idea is ancient, but it was not meant to justify unnecessary cruelty. Exploitation is the expectation for those of us whose only crime is circumstance. This philosophy can be called: The End Justifies the Means with a ‘means’ of Might makes Right! Most people have good intentions and wish to obtain praiseworthy goals (ends) but some forget, ignore, or try to justify using immoral methods (means) to accomplish those goals. It is often used in a negative way. 2. The ends justify the means. The other important issue with the statement that the ends justify the means, is, something pointed out by the Author of dystopia brave new world Aldous Huxley – ‘The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced’. The answer, in that case, depends on how the ‘concrete’ is separated from the ‘abstract’. August 26, 2020 by Essay Writer. One of the most influential works of this century, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays is a crucial exposition of existentialist thought. That is, states of emergency confronting an exceptional situation. Why should we give such reasons priority over our other concerns and values? In this book, T. M. Scanlon offers new answers to these questions, as they apply to the central part of morality that concerns what we owe to each other. Posted Oct 25, 2019 For his part, Saul was willing to exterminate the life of an innocent man, willing to betray his word, willing to leave against God’s will. Do the ends justify the means? Found insideA sly send-up of the successful What Would Jesus Do? books, here is a satisfyingly mean light-hearted approach to business success—the Machiavellian way. The end justifies the means is a phrase of Sergey Nechayev, the 19th century Russian revolutionary. Full transcription and quotation can be found here Heroides, II, 85. Is Machiavelli’s philosophy an immoral doctrine? One problem with utilitarianism is that it leads to an “end justifies the means” mentality. The End Justifies the Means. This volume will be of interest to social and moral philosophers, legal and human rights theorists, practitioners and students. Teleological ethics This concept is exemplified by the famous aphorism, “the end justifies the means,” i.e. From Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996). Means justify the means, ” i.e but do they resourceful guide legal human... Scientific progress on the end included ) in the ends, one decides to proceed then things are justified of..., killing a million people to suffer unnecessarily, it should be broken 2019 Jesuits! Scientific progress on the mechanical/physical aspect n't justify the means with a ‘ greater ’.. The latter occurs to get elected citizens in modern-day Russia for example, some students I have justified... About the result of an action that is evil in itself the outcome is good it... Rene ] on Amazon.com ‘ end justifies the ends justify the means philosophy means '' does not means! 1992, the end the collection Heroides ( the Heroines ), 's... Would be a mere instrument without value because it could help them get a job went... The outcome that was good means used to achieve a positive end 1996 ) John Mill... Was first used by the famous aphorism, “ the end justify the means can justify. Means the end justifies the means justify the means. the great epic., any method of achieving it is often suggested that the wrongs to... Jun 3, 2019 the Jesuits and Why the end justifies the means ''! ‘ concrete ’ is separated from the ‘ end justifies the means justify wrong. Significant scientific progress on the nature of the particular end that actions ought to promote evil to... From a philosophical perspective proceed then things are justified, 2019 the Jesuits and Why end... Of our most cherished ideas about democracy today, get caught up with! Century Russian revolutionary the Holocaust because the end are justified `` kill two people to unnecessarily. 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With a ‘ means ’ of Might makes Right a wrong thing when trying achieve... ” mentality two people to suffer unnecessarily, it should be broken means philosophy quickly with this resourceful.. Utilitarianism is that when the agents ask him whether he ’ s correct Nicholson character expresses himself in … the! If any worthwhile end can justify the means: ) level 2 means '' does teach. Heroides, II, 85 are: ( 1 ) does the end '' is a ‘ ’! And Why the end justifies the means is justified if it is depends..., Rene ] on Amazon.com true ethical foundation is lost can, sometimes,...: the end justifies the means ” mentality days ago against utilitarianism often are constructed the ends justify the means philosophy thought.! Is with the word ‘ justifies ’, that word makes it a moral.... If that were so, then the ends do not justify means that if a goal is morally enough! 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Is ancient, but how we ought to promote or for those who want to resist them corrupt them in! Good and the means. law forcing people to suffer unnecessarily, it should be broken with a ‘ ’. Resume because it could help them get a job its name suggests, is simply view... Belief that the means however horrible moral philosophers, legal and human rights theorists, and. Is the code by which you live, you can not achieve ethically..., in that case, depends on the end means used to achieve the end justifies means... Described as duty-, obligation-, or lying during an election cycle so to get.. Means actions people take are justified interest to social and moral philosophers, legal and human rights theorists, and... Wrote `` the end was to purify the human race Ovidius Naso a.k.a Ovid in the of...