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* These answers represent basically the same meaning from several perspectives.
Answer
This phrase, originating from Niccolo Machiavelli's book "The Prince", is interpreted by some to mean doing anything whatsoever that is required to get the result you want, regardless of the methods used. It does not matter whether these methods are legal or illegal, fair or foul, kind or cruel, truth or lies, democratic or dictatorial, good or evil.
Answer 2
The phrase the end justifies the means refers to the morality of an action. It means that the morality of an action is based solely on the outcome of that action and not on the action itself. Example: Telling a lie that has no negative effect on anyone, and saves someone grief, is good. Killing someone to save others may also be morally justifiable.
A deontologist would say lying/killing is always bad. A consequentialist would say that it is acceptable if the outcome is positive. It can involve illegal activities and what some would consider immoral methods, but definitely is not based on that.
Answer 3
This refers to the idea that if you need a specific outcome, it doesn't matter how it is achieved as long as you get the desired result. For instance, if you need to pass a test in order to graduate (the end) you can justify cheating in order to pass the test (the means).
Answer 4
This is normally used to comment on the ethics or morality of a given action. By itself, it might be reprehensible. But as the only method to achieve a goal, it could be acceptable on a practical basis. A simple example would be knocking down historic buildings as a last resort to control rat populations. A more complex example would be World War II, which included bombing German and Japanese cities to reduce their munitions production.
Answer 5
It means that the benefits from something outweigh the harm done by the process. For example if somebody cured cancer, but had to kill 1 cancer patient to find the cure, they might say that curing cancer made the loss of 1 life to save many worth it. Of course, the family of the dead patient (and the legal authorities) might see the matter differently.
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What else can I help you with?
What does it mean if someone says they are Machiavellian?
the end justifies the means
What is Machiavellian Theory?
"the end justifies the means"
What is machiavellian principle?
"the end justifies the means"
What is an example of the end justifies the means?
Albert Einstein.
The fall of Saigon was this war justified?
The end justifies the means.
Who develop the idea that end justifies the means?
Mahatma Gandhi
Can a sociopath be extremely patient?
Absolutely, the end always justifies the means and if the means is patience then so be it.
Which philosopher said that the end justifies the means?
Niccolò Machiavelli is often associated with the idea that "the end justifies the means" in his book "The Prince," where he discusses the idea that rulers should do whatever is necessary to maintain power and achieve their goals.
What does means mean?
The modern usages are: -- relative wealth (a man of means) -- the method by which something is accomplished (the end justifies the means) -- the plural of the arithmetic term meaning an average (means of two number sets)
Machiavelli's political writing supported what idea?
end justifies the means
Why do some people think war is not an evil thing?
The believe the end justifies the means.
What is the origin of the phrase "the end justifies the means"?
The phrase "the end justifies the means" is attributed to the Italian political philosopher Niccol Machiavelli, who wrote about it in his book "The Prince" in the 16th century. It means that achieving a good outcome is more important than the methods used to achieve it.
