O wielorakim sensie formuły „cel uświęca środki”
On Multiple Meanings of the Saying “the End Justifies the Means”

Summary/Abstract: The proverb “the end justifies the means” has multiple functions, it can be an observation, an appraisal, a postulate, a directive, a moral code. “Justify” can mean ex-plain, excuse, exculpate, vindicate, authorize, uphold, and in Polish it literally corresponds in meaning to the word “sanctify.” This saying can both have a motivational character (when used to dispel the doubts or inhibitions of the speaker), but it can also be used as a rationalisation (to confront the opposition, objections, criticism of those around the speaker). It is mentioned together with the amoral and cynical, as well as with those socially useful versions of Machiavellianism.

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