the end justifies the means
Results excuse methods
The end justifies the means is the principle that achieving a good outcome excuses morally questionable methods used to get there.
The phrase typically carries critical or skeptical weight—accusing someone of this reasoning rather than defending it: He lied to protect her, but does the end justify the means?
The idea traces to Machiavelli, though the exact wording doesn't appear in his work.
- outcomesFinal results achieved
- realpolitikPolitics prioritizing practicality over ethics
- noble lieBeneficial societal falsehood
- moralityRight and wrong principles
- resultsWhat follows from effort
ethics · teleology · Machiavellianism · utility · integrity · self-deception · greater good · lesser evil · moral compromise · virtue · values · consequences · by any means · ends and means · cost-benefit analysis · principles · cognitive dissonance · compromise
the end justifies the meansplay by the rules
Follow accepted procedures
fair play · ethical conduct · by the book · above board · do no harm
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