Means to an end

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For the Biohazard album, see Means to an End.

In philosophy, the term means to an end refers to any action which the sole purpose of is to achieve something else. It can be thought of as a metaphysical distinction as there is no empirical information to differentiate actions which are means to ends from those which are not (also known as "ends in themselves"). It has been suggested that all actions are means to other ends; this is relevant when considering the meaning of life.

Immanuel Kant's theory of morality, the categorical imperative, states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end, and that persons must under all circumstances be treated as ends in themselves. This is in contrast to a utilitarian view which would allow for the use of individuals as means to an end under some circumstances, which is less acceptable in terms of human dignity.