An action is often a means to an end. There is some state of affairs we would like to bring about, and we take the necessary steps to bring it about. Because life often requires us to plan ahead, these steps often form long chains of means and ends that may extend over a period of years. I put fuel in the car so I can drive to Chicago. I drive to Chicago so I can interview for a job. I interview for a job so I have a chance of taking the job. I take the job so I can make a decent living. I make a decent living so I can raise a family… and on it goes.
People often ask whether “the end justifies the means.” Of course, this is precisely what an end does. The end may not justify the means in the sense of showing it is ...
Get Taking Ethics Seriously now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
