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Another important thing that goes hand and hand with the greater good is the saying that "The end justifies the means" in other words, "At the beginning of an action I might not be able to determine whether that action is morally right or wrong, but when the morally right goal is successfully achieved, then the steps which led to it must be morally right too." "I shall do a minor evil to achieve a greater good." Or "My aim for greater good makes all the evils I have done right."

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14y ago
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13y ago

The phrase is often attributed to Machiavelli because it represents part of his philosophy

(as in his book The Prince). It can be rephrased as :

When a morally "right" goal is achieved, the steps which led to it

must be considered morally "right" as well.

That "the end justifies the means" indicates if that the result of an action is moral, then the actions that lead to that result are also moral, even if they would be considered immoral if viewed independently. An action that results in a good outcome is therefore good, although it may be bad or harmful in some respect. Something wrong may be done for the right reason.

This is closely related to the concept of the "greater good" which states that the best outcome is the one that is best for all, even at the expense of the few. Of course, when these actions affect the rights or very lives of others, they cannot always be seen as right or moral.

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Q: Did Machiavelli write the ends justify the means?
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Does Machiavelli believe that the ends justify the means?

Yes, Machiavelli believed that the ends justified the means, especially in politics. He argued that rulers should do whatever is necessary to maintain power and stability, even if it means using deceit or force.


Who said the ends justify the menas?

"In the actions of men, and especially of Princes, from which there is no appeal, the end justifies the means." - Niccoló Machiavelli, The Prince. 1537


Who said does the ends justifies the means?

machiavelli


did Malcolm X say the means justify the ends?

No one has ever claimed that the means justify the ends. Some people have claimed that the ends justify the means, but not vice-versa.Malcolm X is associated with the phrase "by any means necessary."


Is Machiavelli in The Bible?

Machiavelli lived from 1469 to 1527 (58 years). He was the Itallian author of The Prince. A main theme of The Prince is that the ends justify the means. Machiavelli so effectively demonstrated this in his book that such behavior has come to be called Machiavellian. So, while Nicolo Machiavelli does not appear in the Bible, what has come to be known as Machiavellian behavior can be seen in stories from the Bible.


Which was Machiavelli's best known work?

Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli's best known and most influencial work would have to be the 1513 book The Prince. The major theme of "the ends justify the means" (a simplification) has been the central tenet of most modern governments.


When does the end justify the means?

'The ends justify the means' means that the end result will validate what you had to do to get there. It is usually used it situations that the 'means' are difficult.


Did Stalin's ends justify his means?

Many people hold as a general principle that "the ends never justify the means." Those who hold this view would say that Stalin's ends did not justify his means. There are people who believe that certain ends are so important that anything is justified if it furthers those ends. If they supported his goals and thought them important enough, they would say that his ends did justify his means. Others would disagree, either because they do not think his goals important enough or because they oppose his goals completely.


Do the ends justify the means in the emperor and the assassin from Shi Huangdi?

Usually


How is machiavelli famous?

Machiavelli is famous for writing the book "The Prince" in the 1400's. He wrote this to the ruler of the Italian city he was exiled from trying to gain the rulers favor. His book has been related to totaliarian rule and he is best known for saying that " The ends justify the means", meaning whatever it cost to get you what you want it is worth the loss. Hope this answers your question


You are known as the first political scientistThe most famous phrase from my work is ''the ends justifies the means'' who am i?

Machiavelli


What is means and ends relationship in democracy?

In an democracy, the means do not justify the ends. Even if a certain end is considered beneficial to the country, the people still have to be consulted.