Which philosopher is known for arguing that moral decisions should focus on the ends justifying the means?

The philosopher known for the argument that moral decisions should prioritize the ends justifying the means is Machiavelli. He is often associated with political realism and is best known for his work "The Prince," where he suggests that the effectiveness of a ruler's actions is what ultimately matters, even if those actions are deemed immoral or unethical by traditional standards. This pragmatic approach to ethics suggests that the outcomes of actions are more significant than the actions themselves, leading to the interpretation that achieving a desirable end can justify the means used to attain it.

In contrast, other philosophers mentioned focus on different ethical frameworks. For example, Plato emphasized ideals and the pursuit of the 'good,' while Aristotle championed virtue ethics, focusing on moral character and the importance of virtuous actions themselves rather than solely the outcomes. John Stuart Mill, known for utilitarianism, also considered the consequences of actions but in a way that evaluates the overall happiness produced rather than purely justifying means for an end. Machiavelli's unique perspective on the relationship between ends and means solidifies his reputation in this context.