EN
The aim of the present article is to consider the complex and at the same time important problem of the 'purposes' and 'ends' of things. Referring to texts written by R. Spaemann and R. Sokolowski, the author reveals the content of the above-mentioned notions, indicating the difference between them and pointing out their importance for human life. For this reason, a distinction has been made between 'end' as telos and 'end' as eschaton. The article also undertakes analyses relating to the meaning of the word 'end' in reference to: a) entities unrelated to human beings; b) man's products (i.e. an institution); and c) human being. Also discussed is the difference between 'end' and 'purpose'. Every progress aims at its goal. Progress can be made either in a process of poiesis (a shaped thing reaches the aim at the end of this process), or in a process of praxis (improvement is made throughout the whole process). Problems depicted in the article are of great importance for many fields of man's life.