Civil Service Personality Practice Test

What do you believe about the relationship between means and ends?

1. I think the ends justify the means

2. I believe they should be equally valued

3. I firmly believe the end justifies the means

4. I think the means are more important than the ends

The correct answer is: I firmly believe the end justifies the means

The assertion that the end justifies the means reflects a utilitarian perspective, where the outcomes or consequences of an action are considered the most crucial element in ethical decision-making. This viewpoint suggests that if the result is favorable or beneficial, then the methods employed to achieve that result can be overlooked or deemed acceptable, regardless of their moral implications. Proponents of this belief may argue that in certain situations, especially within the context of public service or leadership, achieving a significant overall good can warrant the use of controversial or severe measures. This can be particularly evident in scenarios involving difficult choices, where the priorities of outcomes may lead to adopting strategies viewed as extreme for the sake of achieving what is believed to be a greater good. In contrast, emphasizing the importance of both means and ends entails recognizing the moral integrity of processes alongside outcomes, which can lead to different ethical considerations. Those who prioritize means may focus on the ethical implications of actions taken, arguing that how we achieve results is as crucial as the results themselves. Thus, this option captures a specific ethical viewpoint that prioritizes results at the risk of moral considerations associated with the methods used.