Confusing The Means With The End

One of the FallaciousArguments wherein a) some desirable end result E is identified; b) some particular means M is identified, along with a claim that M -> E; c) therefore M is advocated as an end in itself--without giving much further consideration (beyond lip service) to E.

This is a fallacy because:

• M -> E may not be true (or only true under certain circumstances)
• M might have other undesirable ends which counteract its promition of E.
• There may be other means besides M to achieve E, which may or may not be better.

Often times (not always), the advocate of M has other motives (ulterior or otherwise) for his support of M, and may actively campaign against other means which might lead to E. This could be something simple as a personal preference for M, or a financial (or other) interest in M, or he may otherwise be identified with M. Other times, someone just decides that M->E means M is good, and forgets about E.

---

Seems to be related to NaturalisticFallacy