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The End Never Justifies the Means

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It has been said that the end never justifies the means used to achieve it. Discuss examples in history where this principle was violated. What do you think went wrong?

Please provide about 3 examples and what went wrong with each. Each of the 3 examples should be summarized in about 4-5 sentences each.

Thanks you.

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Solution Summary

It has been said that the end never justifies the means used to achieve it. This solution examples several examples in history where this principle was violated, including examples of what went wrong.

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Hi,

Interesting statement! Let's take a closer look at three or four examples.

RESPONSE:

1. It has been said that 'the end never justifies the means' used to achieve it. Discuss examples in history where this principle was violated. What do you think went wrong?

This principle is violated when people instead argue that 'the end does justify the means." It is like a Get Out of Jail Free Card for many people. They feel that as long as they accomplish a goal (end) that is justified (in their minds), what they had to do to achieve it (end) is irrelevant.

For example, as a case in point, in a sporting event the goal is to win (end), but if you win by cheating (means), is it justified? This violates the principle that 'the end never justifies the means.' In other words, an athlete operates on the opposite principle, mainly that 'the end (awards, recognition, etc.) does justify the means ...

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