Does the end justify the means?

[roaring20sman]

“The end justifies the means” comes from an Italian politician named Niccolò Machiavelli. To those who may not fully understand the phrase, it simply means any ambition that is morally salient enough for a society, any means to get to said goal; no matter how morally questionable the actions may be are necessary to achieve a higher society. This is known as consequentialism, where the class of ethical theory bases right & wrong on the consequences of actions taken. This can happen on a small scale where say someone lies about a skill they possess to get a better job, however him filling the shoes on a lie can hurt those who are rightfully more qualified. Or this can happen on a national and global scale. You can look at a lot of different political and social policies put in place by leaders to achieve their “higher society”. You can take examples from many countries such as the USA with “Manifest Destiny”, Nazi Germany and “lebensraum” where they looked to dominate Eastern Europe, communist Russia, China, etc. What are your thoughts on “The End Justifies the Means” and “Consequentialism”?
Here are some links if you want to know more about these subjects

https://youtu.be/fUlGtrHCGzs

https://youtu.be/ykjAhOEJVEw

[OlderAndWiser]

I recognize this expression as the litmus test for those with integrity. An honorable man would NEVER engage in reprehensible conduct with the justification that the goal was sufficiently important to excuse the bad behavior.

[roaring20sman]

@OlderAndWiser you really are older and wiser aren’t you? Lol

[OlderAndWiser]

I appreciate your kind words!

[OlderAndWiser]

Thanks for MHO!

[OddBeMe]

I would say the devil is in the details.

MLK used his protesters like pawns knowing full well they’d be beaten and killed. Yet the end did justify it.

[NaultD]

No.

I'd classify myself as an existentialist. So we exist before essence. So everything is a means to an end. From there people who see, then can pass judgment of right or wrong becoming essence on any given existence.

[Dontaaaa]

For me it doesn't, but I wouldn't be surprised if later on down the line I said "fuck it" and then do things that way.

[Shamalien]

Not if those means are immoral. Ever.