What does the phrase "The end justifies the means" mean?
Q: What does the phrase "The end justifies the means" mean?
A: It means that if a goal is morally important enough, any method of getting it is acceptable.
Q: Who coined the phrase "The end justifies the means"?
A: Niccolò Machiavelli
Q: What is consequentialism?
A: A political philosophy that judges a policy by its outcome.
Q: Does consequentialism allow unnecessary cruelty?
A: No, it does not justify unnecessary cruelty.
Q: What are the limitations necessary to prevent tyrants from abusing the idea of consequentialism?
A: Modern versions of consequentialism have to deal with these limitations.
Q: What is the basic idea behind consequentialism?
A: The basic idea is that a policy can be judged by its outcome.
Q: Is there any other ancient idea related to the concept of "The end justifies the means"?
A: There may be others, but the text does not mention any.
