Who is known for the phrase "the ends justify the means"?

The phrase "the ends justify the means" is most commonly associated with Niccolò Machiavelli, particularly in his work "The Prince." This concept suggests that actions can be morally justified if they lead to a desirable outcome. Machiavelli argues that political leaders may need to use deceit or ruthless behavior to maintain stability and achieve the goals of the state, which emphasizes the pragmatic, often cynical approach to political ethics that he is known for.

Understanding this context is critical because Machiavelli's ideas represent a departure from the more idealistic philosophies of figures like Plato and Aristotle, who emphasized virtue and moral character as essential components of a good life. Thomas Hobbes, while discussing social contracts and human behavior, does not articulate this specific notion of justification in the same way Machiavelli does. Thus, selecting Machiavelli as the source of this phrase highlights the focus on realpolitik and the sometimes harsh realities of governance he famously depicted.