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The process of reaching a goal is defined by the steps or actions taken towards that goal. The qualities of those actions can differentiate depending on many aspects. The philosophical and moral dilemma of finding the right way of doing things has been relevant throughout time. Often, it is a matter of personal choice and sometimes whole societies have a certain unique method in organizing their plan of action.
The saying The ends justify the means has been around for a long time and used in an infinite number of situations. But is it morally correct to sacrifice the said morals for reaching a goal? Who sets up the criteria that allows for the usage of unacceptable and sometimes impermissible deeds? Niccolo Machiavelli acknowledges that sometimes immoral ways are acceptable and permissible.
There is often a conflict between the ends and the means used to achieve them, he does not fret over the possible problems that may accompany the use of unpleasant means, such as punishment of upstart or the use of repression, imprisonment, and torture. (Jacobus 38).
Machiavelli shares his opinion on the way the government should behave and agrees that sometimes it should act harshly and in an oppressive manner for the law and order to be upheld. This is a contradiction to the authority and righteousness of the government. How can the leaders of the country who create laws and judge others by these laws, break the laws, so that the laws are obeyed? This makes no logical sense. The fact that some people can use this form of logic is unacceptable but when the government decides that freedom of a person requires the sacrifice of some freedoms, the world becomes chaotic and senseless. In reality, if unworthy means are used to achieve worthy ends, the ends will never be worthy. It is physically and morally impossible to become good and just by stealing, lying and killing. Someone who is morally good will never use unjust means to reach their purpose. But at the same time there are situations that might question this way of thinking. For example, if a group of criminals terrorize a town and always manage to evade the authorities, would it be correct for the police to invade the privacy of the whole town and listen in on the phone conversations? Or if the criminals are getting away, would it be right to commandeer a car from someone who is going to work and chase after the criminals? Even though the person whose car has been taken might feel that it is immoral, it is done for the greater good. When comparing the crimes that might be committed and the fact that the person will be late for work, it is clear that the lateness is not as important. Even if the car is crashed and the worker gets in trouble, there is always the possibility to have the authorities confirm that the car was taken and that lateness to work is not their fault while insurance covers the damage to the car. But in a situation where everyones phone must be tapped into, it is difficult to say what is right and wrong. Of course, people would be outraged if they found out that their privacy was abused. The best way to resolve this issue is to find a better and other technique to catch the criminals. But it must be accepted that in order to save someones life or keep them from getting hurt, the fact that some conversation is heard is not a big deal. In every situation the benefits of the outcome must be weighed and if it is something that can be dealt with in a different style, it should certainly be used. The same issue was addressed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his Letter from Birmingham Jail. He believes that the means used to reach a certain end must be as noble and fair as the end itself. This can be seen when he mentions that his people have long been oppressed by the white man but still, they have not resorted to violence. The only mean that they are using is non-video resistance and direct action (King 214). Martin Luther King admits that sometimes the harsh reality demands people to resort to direct and aggressive action but for the others to understand these freedom fighters correctly, the means used must be based on peace. How can a person battling for the rights and freedoms use ways that oppress and put down the rights and freedoms of others? Dr. King believed that the process of attaining an end is the most important. The steps that are being taken affect a great number of people. The example that is set must be based on fairness and highest morals and so, the result will reflect the means that were used in the methods.
It is obvious that there are no general rules that preset and define the attitude and behavior in a given situation. The situation differentiates between the actions that are taken. Each moment is unique, with its own specific qualities that must be considered.
Works Cited
Jacobus, Lee. A world of ideas. New York, United States: Bedford/St. Martins, 2013. Print.
King, Martin. Letter from Birmingham Jail. A World of Ideas. Ed. Jacobus, Lee. New York, United States: Bedford/St. Martins, 2013. 211-231. Print.
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