Based on Francis Slade explanations it is evident that there is a difference between ends and purposes. “Ends” can be defined as totality or accomplishment for an organization or an individual. On the other hand, purpose is used to define what steers or propels an individual’s actions ahead. The last concept is consciousness or consequences which can be defined as a circumstance that defines whether an act is moral or not. Therefore, the projected consequence of an activity explains whether that act is moral or not. Therefore, consequences of an act are much controlled by purpose ((Ramos, Alice, p 58).
It is also worth noting that ‘ends’ are not only connected to individuals who perform activities for a purpose. Consequently, things subsist in nature and carry out activities with an aim to an end without taking into consideration consciousness of the purpose. For instance, bees build honeycomb with deliberating ways of building it or even making any kind of consultation. From this it evident that agent is determinants of the ends (Ramos, Alice p 65). However, purpose needs agents. It is, therefore, worth concluding that, all people have an end despite the fact that every person has a consciousness that builds the purpose which is a driving factor to act.
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"Christian Morality Discussion".
Aristotle also explains these terms using the following two examples. Medicine is considered a body of knowledge and skill that its end is to restore and maintain people’s health. However, an individual’s purpose can range from earning much money to eradicate suffering due to his love for human. Based on this, art of medicine is not meant to give money or have sympathy to human. For instance, other medicine professionals are driven by their own purpose. As a result, people have their purpose but the end remain unchanged. Education o the other hand is to acquire knowledge in different fields. However, people have their own purpose which in turn causes collision individuals purposes (Ramos, Alice p 68).
Therefore, ends remain in existence irrespective of our being while purpose is connected to our consciousness on selection and action which in turn bring about the consequences.
- Ramos, Alice. Beauty, Art, And The Polis. Washington, D.C.: American Maritain Association, 2000. Print.
