Comparison of Gandhian Perspective of Ends and Means with Major Ethical Perspectives



Published on 03 Nov 2025

The Gandhian perspective of ends (consequences) and means (methods) of actions emphasizes truth and non-violence. It can be contrasted with other ethical dimensions that may prioritize different approaches in achieving goals.

Ends and Means in Major Ethical Dimensions

Gandhi’s Views on Ends and Means

Utilitarianism: The right course of action is the one that produces the greatest net benefit for the greatest number of people, i.e., the ends are considered more important than the means.

Example: Violent police action to restore law and order.

Prioritizes the moral purity of means, even if the consequences may not immediately lead to overall happiness. Morally wrong means would corrupt one’s character, irrespective of the short-term gains.

Virtue Ethics: The right course of action is what a virtuous person does in a given situation. It may not necessarily reject certain means that Gandhian philosophy would avoid.

Example: A virtuous person may use deception depending on the circumstances.

Aligns with virtue ethics in its emphasis on cultivating virtues such as truthfulness and non-violence.

Consequentialism: The right course of action is determined by the results it produces. It may justify violent or dishonest means, if they lead to positive outcomes.

The intrinsic nature of means and the intention behind actions are important. Using wrong means would compromise one’s character and undermine the long-term sustainability of the outcome.

Deontologism: Certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes – emphasizes on adhering to universal moral rules. Individuals should treat others as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

The means used to achieve a goal should reflect the values and principles of that goal. The means are interconnected with the end, and immoral means cannot lead to a moral end.


The ethical theory that is closest to the Gandhian concept is Virtue Ethics. It focuses on virtues such as honesty, non-violence and humility, which align with Gandhi’s emphasis on a life rooted in ethical values. Virtuous individuals can pursue ethical means to achieve ends, much like Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘the means are the end in the making’.

Tags:
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Keywords:
Comparison of Gandhian Perspective of Ends and Means with Major Ethical Perspectives Gandhi Mahatma Gandhi ethics value means and ends Utilitarianism Virtue Ethics Consequentialism Deontologism deontology

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 4

Topics:
Ethics and Integrity

Related Articles

Backgrounder

Challenges in Curbing Corruption in India

CHALLENGES OF CORRUPTION

Factors responsible for Under-utilization and Misutilization of public Funds

UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS

Right to Public Service Act

Issues in Quality of Service Delivery

QUALITY OF SERVICE DELIVERY

Work Culture Issues in Government Sector Compared to Private Sector in India

Impacts of a Hostile Work Culture

WORK CULTURE