Theo Todman's Web Page - Notes Pages

Christian Tractatus

(Text as at 12/08/2007 10:17:46)

Because we have chosen to define ethics as a system of rules or principles by which to achieve ends, we need to examine the criticism that we are adopting a policy of "the ends justify the means".

1. I think we can circumvent this problem by including amongst our set of ends the intention not to perpetrate any of the acts we would find objectionable if used as means.
2. It is possible to think of desperate situations in which normally outlawed means would become allowable. However, such situations would simply represent the in extremis prioritisation of ends.