Quote by Alex Grecian
““Exitus probatur,” he said. The end is justified. “Ergo acta probantur,” said one of the waiting men. Therefore the means are justified.””
About This Quote
If the end is justified, then the means become acceptable; a dangerous moral shortcut.
In simple terms: Justified ends excuse means.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of means.
Themes
morality
consequentialism
ethics
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- political actions
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When do means outweigh ends?
- Can a good outcome excuse bad methods?
A Different Perspective
Ends can be misused to excuse harm.
![“[T]he end cannot justify the means; but if there are no other means, and the end is necessary...” quote by James Blish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/26d/james-blish-32447_quote_t-he-end-cannot-justify-the-means-but-if_947228.jpg)
