According to Machiavelli, do moral ends justify immoral means?

Question

This is a question in my summer assignment that I don't understand. It has to do with Machiavelli's book The Prince. I do understand what "ends justify means" means, I just don't understand it in this context.

Answer 1

All you have to do is read the book, and jot down notes on Machiavelli's opinions, then afterwards total up each side of the argument. Then you can see whether he thought that according to the book. As long as you understand what "the ends justify the means" means, then you shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 2

Acoording to Machiavelli, yes, the ends do justify the means, only they aren't exactly moral ends.

the book was meant for a prince, who was of a selfish nature.

Machiavelli says that the end justify the means when, for example, he says that people are of no importance and untrustworthy, and if you must lie to citizens and other people in order to be an effective ruler, you should.  The Prince is about how to gain and keep power, and in order to be effective, you must keep power; and in order to keep power, it would be wise to lie in order to keep your position safe and to keep yourself adored by the people.

Answer 3

The question in your assignment is asking whether Machiavelli feels that the "ends justify the means". Since you understand that concept, just read the book to determine if Machiavelli feels that it is true or if he endorses it.

Answer 4

Is doing something good in a bad way justifiable?

Or if the result was good and moral but it was achieved in immoral ways, is that ok?

Answer 5

as long as you understand it is enough, investigating rhetoric is another.