# The Ends Justify the Means in Philoctetes

> Theme guide for Philoctetes by Sophocles.

Odysseus argues that lying and treachery are acceptable if they lead to the necessary goal of capturing Troy, a utilitarian ethic that clashes with Neoptolemus's sense of personal honor.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/themes/the_ends_justify_the_means
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philoctetes_se/themes