What does a means to an end or an end in itself mean?

What does a means to an end or an end in itself mean?

phrase. If you consider something to be an end in itself, you do it because it seems desirable and not because it is likely to lead to something else. While he had originally traveled in order to study, traveling had become an end in itself. See full dictionary entry for end.

What is meant by the end justifies the means?

Definition of the end justifies the means —used to say that a desired result is so good or important that any method, even a morally bad one, may be used to achieve it They believe that the end justifies the means and will do anything to get their candidate elected.

Is work a means to an end?

But America’s work ethic–the idea that work is a dignified duty, often to God, with intrinsic value and purpose–withered away long ago for the vast majority of American workers. Instead of being an end, work has clearly become a means to another end, argue some observers of American labor.

Why is a person an end in itself?

The fact that we are human has value in itself. If a person is an end-in-themself it means their inherent value doesn’t depend on anything else – it doesn’t depend on whether the person is enjoying their life, or making other people’s lives better. We exist, so we have value.

What does it is a means to an end not an end in itself mean?

An “end” or “end in itself” is the end result, the ultimate goal, the final conclusion. A “means to an end”, therefore, is a way of getting to a given goal. A related expression is “The ends justify the means.” This phrase is used when the end result justifies whatever action was used to get there.

Is technology means to an end?

One says: Technology is a means to an end. Technology itself is a contrivance, or, in Latin, an instrumentum. The current conception of technology, according to which it is a means and a human activity, can therefore be called the instrumental and anthropological definition of technology.

Does the means justify the end examples?

A good outcome excuses any wrongs committed to attain it. For example, He’s campaigning with illegal funds on the theory that if he wins the election the end will justify the means, or The officer tricked her into admitting her guilt—the end sometimes justifies the means.