Which philosopher said the end justifies the means?
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Which philosopher said the end justifies the means?
Niccolò Machiavelli
The end justifies the means is a phrase of Niccolò Machiavelli. It means that if a goal is morally important enough, any method of getting it is acceptable. The idea is ancient, but it was not meant to justify unnecessary cruelty. It was part of a political philosophy called consequentialism.
What did Machiavelli say?
“Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great.” “There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.” “Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are.”
What did Machiavelli write?
Niccolò Machiavelli’s two most important works are Discourses on Livy (1531) and The Prince (1532), both of which were published after his death. He wrote several other works, including Florentine Histories (1532) and The Life of Castruccio Castracani of Lucca (1520).
Who is considered as the philosopher king?
Alexander the Great, as a student of Aristotle, has often been described as a philosopher king. His contemporary Onesicritus spoke of him as a “philosopher in arms”, and the 1st-century Platonist Plutarch wrote in laudatory terms of his wisdom, generosity, temperance and courage.
Did Ovid say the ends justify the means?
In Heroides, a poem by Ovid that was written between 25-2 BC, Ovid writes “Exitus ācta probat,” or “The outcome justifies the deeds.” In Discourses: I, 9 of The Prince by Italian political theorist Niccolò Machiavelli, the author notes that “For although the act condemns the doer, the end may justify him.” And in the …
Who was the last philosopher king?
Remembering Africa’s Last Philosopher King: Kenneth Kaunda Obituary. DiA’s own Professor Nic Cheeseman and Sishuwa Sishuwa have written a political obituary of Zambia’s “founding father” and first president Kenneth Kaunda, who has died aged 97. They reflect on his achievements, challenges and how he will be remembered.
What were philosopher kings?
The philosopher king is a hypothetical ruler in whom political skill is combined with philosophical knowledge. The concept of a city-state ruled by philosophers is first explored in Plato’s Republic, written around 375 BC.
Does the saying the end justifies the means moral?
The phrase “the end justifies the means” is used to suggest that any activity, whether or not that activity could be considered ethically or morally bad, is worth doing so long as a desired end result is achieved. The origins of the phrase go back to consequentialism.
What is Machiavelli’s moral theory?
The theory that “the end justifies the means” encapsulates his political and moral thought. The adjective Machiavellian means a total lack of scruples. The popular conception is that Machiavelli’s political methods are amoral, evil, rational and pragmatic.
Who explained the idea of a philosopher king?
Socrates’ answer is known as “the paradox of the philosopher king” and is stated dramatically at 473d: the way to bring about a just state is to have it ruled by philosophers, or what is commonly called “the Philosopher-King.” This conclusion would naturally be felt as paradoxical by most of Socrates’ listeners because …
Who is called the philosopher king?
It is very common to hear in both academic circles, as well as more close-knit Stoic circles, Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 CE) being referred to as the philosopher king.
What is the best philosopher king?
