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==Definition==
==Definition==
*1: a [[thing]] that is not valued or important in itself but is useful in achieving an aim: a computer is merely a ''means to an end''.
*1: a [[thing]] that is not valued or important in itself but is useful in achieving an aim: a computer is merely a ''means to an end''.
In [[philosophy]], the term '''means to an end''' refers to any [[action]] (the means) carried out for the sole [[purpose]] of [[achieving]] something else (an end). It can be [[thought]] of as a [[metaphysical]] distinction, as no [[empirical]] [[information]] differentiates actions that are means to ends from those that are not—that are "ends in themselves." It has been incurred that all actions are means to other ends; this is relevant when considering the [[meaning]] of [[life]].
In [[philosophy]], the term '''means to an end''' refers to any [[action]] (the means) carried out for the sole [[purpose]] of [[achieving]] something else (an end). It can be [[thought]] of as a [[metaphysical]] distinction, as no [[empirical]] [[information]] differentiates actions that are means to ends from those that are not—that are "ends in themselves." It has been incurred that all actions are means to other ends; this is relevant when considering the [[meaning]] of [[life]].
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant Immanuel Kant]'s theory of [[morality]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categorical_imperative categorical imperative], states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end, and that people must, under all circumstances, be treated as ends in themselves. This is in [[contrast]] to some [[interpretations]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism utilitarian] view, which allow for use of [[individuals]] as means to benefit the many.
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immanuel_Kant Immanuel Kant]'s theory of [[morality]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categorical_imperative categorical imperative], states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end, and that people must, under all circumstances, be treated as ends in themselves. This is in [[contrast]] to some [[interpretations]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism utilitarian] view, which allow for use of [[individuals]] as means to benefit the many.
==Quote==
Much of your [[past]] life and its [[memories]], having neither spiritual [[meaning]] nor morontia [[value]], will perish with the material [[brain]]; much of material [[experience]] will pass away as onetime [[scaffolding]] which, having bridged you over to the [[morontia]] level, no longer serves a [[purpose]] in the universe. But [[personality]] and the [[relationships]] between personalities are never scaffolding; mortal memory of personality relationships has [[cosmic]] [[value]] and will [[persist]]. ([[112:5|112:5.22]])
==Satyagraha==
==Satyagraha==
The theory of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyagraha satyagraha] sees ''means and ends'' as inseparable. The means used to obtain an end are wrapped up in and [[attached]] to that end. Therefore, it is [[contradictory]] to try to use unjust means to obtain [[justice]] or to try to use [[violence]] to obtain [[peace]]. As Gandhi wrote: “They say, 'means are, after all, means'. I would say, 'means are, after all, everything'. As the means so the end...”
The theory of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyagraha satyagraha] sees ''means and ends'' as inseparable. The means used to obtain an end are wrapped up in and [[attached]] to that end. Therefore, it is [[contradictory]] to try to use unjust means to obtain [[justice]] or to try to use [[violence]] to obtain [[peace]]. As Gandhi wrote: “They say, 'means are, after all, means'. I would say, 'means are, after all, everything'. As the means so the end...”
