The Ends Justifies The Means Analysis

As Niccolò Machiavelli once wrote, “the ends justifies the means”. This phrase means that methods that might considered immoral are acceptable provided the end results in a positive outcome that is far more significant than the means. For instance, should society’s conventions dictate a human life to be worth more than a tree, it would henceforth be morally acceptable for a human to chop down the aforementioned tree to lodging for the winter. Thus, the end, which is the survival of a human life, justifies the means - the death of a tree. Though many may argue that the death of the tree was unnecessary, it is still undeniable that a human life was saved due to it. That being said, there is unnecessary dichotomy created by separating moral from …show more content…
As daunting of a reality it is, it is undeniably true. Desperate times often call for desperate measures. This means that sacrifices must be made. More often than not, actions which are considered inexcusable and inhumane are executed for the greater good of others. This is evident in the atomic bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Though the massive loss of innocent lives makes this issue a controversy, many refute that the bombing was necessary for Japan’s surrender, hence, ending the war in the Pacific and saving even more lives. This one example encapsulates the concept of “the end justifies the means” and is documented proof that political leaders do abide by it. It is undeniable that many people suffered as a result of the atomic bomb, however, one must be able to recognize the positive outcomes of the tragedy. It can be argued that the bombings were justified precisely because it ended the war. It is during times like these that politicians especially must be able to make difficult calls, no matter how morally daunting they are. Hence, they must have the foresight to be able to acknowledge when collateral damage is less significant than the outcome of the action. It is impossible to be idealistic and moral enough to consider all of humanity and the environment while at the same time making practical decisions that will benefit their country. Thus, it is necessary for politicians to strike a balance. This condones the concept that the end justifies the means by recognizing that in practical situations, sacrifices must be made, and it is important for politicians to be able to discern when such sacrifices are