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Machiavelli's "The Prince" embodies the idea that the outcomes of actions — particularly in the realm of politics — can justify the means through which they are achieved. This philosophy suggests that rulers may need to engage in morally questionable actions for the sake of maintaining power, stability, and security in their states. Machiavelli argues that a successful leader must be pragmatic and focused on results rather than strictly adhering to conventional moral standards. The emphasis on results over the means explains the political realism that defines much of Machiavelli's work.

In this context, the other options are not as relevant to Machiavelli's ideas. The concepts of liberty and justice for all, collective responsibility, and peaceful coexistence emphasize moral and ethical frameworks that prioritize ideals of cooperation and fairness, which diverge from Machiavelli's more pragmatic and sometimes ruthless approach to governance. Thus, the focus on outcomes in "The Prince" distinctly marks it as a work that promotes the idea that achieving a desired political end can justify the methods employed to reach that end.