Do Ends Justify Means? - Page 2

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Simple Questions - Do Ends Justify Means?

Depends, the only way the ends can justify the means is if the end result outweighs the means.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Is it right to do something illegal for the greater good of something ethical?
e.g. Robin Hood stealing from rich to give to poor, Killing a rapist because there was no evidence to build case

When justice isn't served and the person puts it upon themselves to do so then yes the ends do justify the means here.

Originally posted by: return_to_hades

Is it right to lie/deceive for the greater interest of helping someone?
e.g. Friends sticking up for each other, lying to shield people from tragedy/danger etc.

If there are negative repercussions (to that someone or any other person) then, no the ends do not justify the means here.

Originally posted by: sweetmagic4u

Alright you asked a very loaded, open ended question. As I was a LD debator, I will offer both viewpoints:

1.) Does ends justify the means?

Well firstly the "formal theory name" is Kant's Categorical Imperative, which endorses "ends justify's the means" so if you're still curious you can google this.

Yes it does: As you mentioned the Robbin Hood example, the ADA obtaining evidence illegally, both of these things helped the majority supported by a theory called utilitarianism, the action that does the greatest good for the greatest number of people is always justified. War is often justified by this for example, the irony of peace achieved through violence.

No it doesn't: Ok, but who is to decide what is just? What is Robin Hood was corrupt like other thieves and kept the money for himself? What if the ADA had been bought by some friend of the molestor to lose the case on purpose? What is the government declaring the war was corrupt and was only attacking a country, say only for it's oil reserves? This leads to the "slippery slope" arguement...power can corrupt.

Alright I'll stop, I can go on and on for either side 😆 Basically, it depends on the situation, it can't be applied generally.

Liked your views here.

Re: Topic - yes, based on situations and circumstances.