If a goal is worthy, then any means taken to attain it are justifiable.

Does the end justify the means? Many people believe that a goal is worthy, then any means taken to attain it are justifiable. I do not agree with this argument.  The worthiness of a goal is an abstract notion,  and can vary from person to person.  Almost always, there are more than one way to accomplish a goal, and the one which is morally and ethically appropriate should be chosen. Unscrupulous ways to achieve a goal  cannot be encouraged. Let me illustrate this with a few examples.

Getting a college degree  and obtaining good grades  can be considered as worthy goals for students.  However that does not justify plagiarizing others works  to obtain better grades. Pursuit of happiness can be considered a worthy goal. Reaching levels of euphoria through alcohol or recreation drug abuse however cannot be justified. Spending time with the family can be a fine goal, but one can’t leave the work place before  the work hours  to attain that goal.  Bridging the gap between the rich and the poor in the nation is a worthy goal, but forcing the rich to give away all their wealth  to attain the needed equilibrium. Eradicating AIDS from the face of the earth is ideal. But that goal cannot justify killing everyone with HIV infection.  Winning a Presidential election is a worthy goal. However  spreading false claims about the opponents or trying to leak their election strategies (eg. Watergate scandal) is not pardonable.

In summary the goals, no matter how ideal they are, may not justify the means to achieve them. Ideal goals through ideal means should be what we aim for.