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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."
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe 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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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
What phrase is generally used to sum up the work of Machiavelli?
"The ends justify the means" is a phrase commonly used to sum up the work of Machiavelli, reflecting his views on politics and power as outlined in his book "The Prince."
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."
In his book the prince Machiavelli advises that a wise ruler is one who?
A wise ruler, according to Machiavelli, is one who is flexible and willing to act immorally if necessary to maintain power and authority. It is important for the ruler to be seen as strong and decisive, even if it means using deceit or manipulation. Machiavelli argues that the ends justify the means when it comes to ruling effectively.
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.
Why Andrew Undershaft were called as Machiavelli?
Andrew Undershaft is called Machiavelli in George Bernard Shaw's play "Major Barbara" because of his cunning and manipulative nature. Just like Niccolò Machiavelli, Andrew is portrayed as a pragmatic and unscrupulous character who believes that the ends justify the means in achieving power and influence. The comparison highlights his willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.
What did Machiavelli do to help the renaissance?
Machiavelli's work, "The Prince," offered a pragmatic guide to governance that emphasized political realism and the use of power to maintain order. This challenged prevailing notions of leadership and contributed to a shift in political thought during the Renaissance. Additionally, Machiavelli's promotion of the idea that the ends justify the means influenced how rulers approached statecraft and diplomacy.
True or false Machiavelli believed that political activity should be restricted by moral principles?
False. Machiavelli believed that political activity should prioritize the success and stability of the state, even if it meant acting immorally or unethically. He famously stated in "The Prince" that the ends justify the means in politics.
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.
