ipl-logo

How Does Machiavelli Support Secular Humanism

688 Words3 Pages

Thesis:This essay will argue that Machiavelli supported secular humanism but not civic humanism. In particular, this essay will focus on how Machiavelli condoned immoral acts and believed that fear should be prioritised over love in politics. Furthermore, he thinks that it is more important to appear liberal than actually practice liberalism Throughout his book, The prince, Machiavelli stressed that it is not advised for a ruler to always be morally upright, at least not in the conventional sense (http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2014/entries/machiavelli/). He even condones certain acts by individuals which would be considered conventionally immoral, such as Romulus murdering his own brother ( Machiavelli The discourses ex.132-133). …show more content…

Therefore, he believed that a political ruler has to make immoral decisions occasionally for the sake of the state. Instead of the following the standard ethical principles, Machiavelli proposed a different form of virtue for princes to adopt, in which they aim for the preservation and advancement of …show more content…

As the moral values in Italy at the time where largely influenced by the teachings of the Christian bible, it is safe to assume his ideas of morality was those put forth by the church. Thus, by condoning immoral acts and asserting that they are necessary at times, he is rejecting Christian teachings pertaining to moral conduct. For example by excusing Romulus' murder, Machiavelli is essentially disregarding one of the Christian commandments: "thou shalt not kill", hence disregarding Christian ideals. On top of that, by approving of interferences in principality such as Romulus' killing of his own brother, Machiavelli is also rejecting the notion that all events are the divine will of God and that it is pointless to try and change one's fate (Skinner 1981 p.g 32). In other words, by favouring Romulus' overthrowing of his brother, Machiavelli is implying that humans have control over their own destiny and are not just subjected to the divine will of God, which is a common belief is secular humanism(Skinner 1981 p.g 32-33). Hence, by championing secular humanist ideas of free will and rejecting Christian ideas of morality and virtue, Machiavelli was in favour of secular

Show More
Related

Why Is The Prince A Devoidedly Unmedieval Piece Of Work

456 Words | 2 Pages

The Prince: A Decidedly unMedieval Piece of Work The Prince, written by Niccolo Machiavelli, was a secular handbook that dealt with modern statecraft and leadership. In fact, this was the first modern book that discussed political science. This book has influenced many well-known leaders, such as Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. This essay will discuss the past behaviours of Machiavelli to prove that this book, The Prince, is a decidedly unMedieval piece of work which does not follow the idea of living life so that it is worthy of respect and honour, as stated in the Medieval Code of Chivalry.

Read More

First Global Age Analysis

716 Words | 3 Pages

The main point made by Machiavelli was that men are inherently bad, so a leader must rule in a way that takes this into account. He taught that because of man’s ungratefulness, it is safer to be feared than loved (D-4). This shows that Machiavelli believed that the power and success of a country will lead to the prosperity of its inhabitants. Both influential people believed that a country prospers the most under absolute power.

Read More

Niccole Machiavelli's The Prince

1824 Words | 8 Pages

In addition, Machiavelli didn 't take the traditional route for supporting his argument of advice. He didn 't bother using any ethical or philosophical principles as the base for his advice he was trying to give. Instead, he used his own political program on real-life examples as his foundation to his treatise. Which is probably one of the reasons why "The Prince" got so much negative criticism. Machiavelli is practically stepping out of line by explaining what a prince should or should not do in pursuit of his

Read More

Why Is Machiavelli Vouched For The Ideal Government

797 Words | 4 Pages

He was quite a cynic of the idea that people could do something kind and not be taken advantage of for it. This opinion was communicated quite clearly in chapter 15, when he was talking about the fancifulness of man; “For there is such a difference between how men live and how they ought to live that he who abandons what is done for what is ought to be done learns his destruction rather than his preservation.” However, he did argue that a prince should strive to appear kind and liberal, even if he is taking measures to do the opposite of what his image may imply. Machiavelli brings up this idea several times throughout his work, like the introduction of chapter 16; “Beginning with the first qualities… I say that to be considered liberal is good.” Machiavelli reads as rather hypocritical here, as while he assumes the worst of the intentions of the people, he still calls for the prince to appear as compassionate.

Read More

What Is Machiavelli's Use Of Fear In Julius Caesar

1105 Words | 5 Pages

Machiavelli’s conclusion relies upon premises established by the assumptions of human nature. He believes that there are just three types of brains: the most superior, which can reason and understand for itself; another, which notices what others can reason and understand; and the useless, which can neither reason nor understand either. He seems to believe that most people fall to the third type, and are simpleminded. That people in themselves are either selfish in their ambition or just want the status quo. Therefore, he focuses on the prince and what the individual can accomplish.

Read More

How Does Machiavelli's Qualities To Maintain His Power

264 Words | 2 Pages

Although Machiavelli has strong opinions of people being untrustworthy and evil he is trying to be realistic. He takes in consideration that we as people

Read More

Dichotomy In The Prince And Julius Caesar

863 Words | 4 Pages

If Machiavelli, in The Prince, had directly mentioned his morals, then it may have collided with morals of Medici, making his predicament

Read More

Military Ideal In The Odyssey

817 Words | 4 Pages

The hero reflects a military ideal, as much by valor as by force and is therefore used as a mirror in Greek society. It is also a political ideal. He usually has a link with power such as nephew or son from the leader. Therefore, even though it can be seen as a political ideal but he may also itself be the leader city. In Greek epics, judicial power, military and politics are fairly related.

Read More

Examples Of Machiavelli's Principles

195 Words | 1 Pages

Machiavelli’s principles in some extent. Machiavelli’s idea of the hastiness of the strong, aggressive lion must be balanced with the cunning careful of the physically weaker fox can be labeled to Queen Elizabeth I. Mary (Queen of Scots), her cousin was a Catholic but remained the most likely candidate to succeed her. When Mary was driven out of Scotland, she was received by Elizabeth but seen as a threat and so kept under lock and key at Fotheringhay. This doesn’t show any morality as locking someone was pure evil. Elizabeth always drew back from courses of action that might provoke her enemies.

Read More

Machiavelli's Use Of Lying And Deception In Politics

954 Words | 4 Pages

One aspect of Machiavelli’s theory which significantly contributes to his reputation as the “philosopher of evil,” is his advice to the prince on keeping their word to the public. In chapter eighteen, Machiavelli states, “a wise ruler cannot, and should not, keep his word when doing so is to his disadvantage, and when the reasons that led him to promise to do so no longer apply” (pg. 37). To simplify, Machiavelli says princes are obligated to lie in certain circumstances. He also states that while it is unnecessary for the prince to have positive qualities, such as honesty, trustworthiness, sympathy, compassion, or be religious, it is essential for the prince to be viewed so by the public (pg. 37). While many people argue that Machiavelli’s legitimization of lying and deception in politics is immoral, I argue the opposite.

Read More

Comparing Machiavelli's The Prince And Utopia

1135 Words | 5 Pages

However, according to Machiavelli, there is no moral basis that can become used in judging the difference between the legitimate and illegitimate use of power. He believed that authority and power were equal, and the person with the power had the right to exercise it. Machiavelli believed that the right to rule added nothing to the possession of power. According to him, power assists in defining the political activity.

Read More

Machiavelli: The Existence Of Selfish Individualism

1012 Words | 5 Pages

To Machiavelli, there is no morality in politics, only political virtue (Prudence). Prudence means knowing when to exhibit virtue or vice. As long as the Prince understands the role of Prudence, they will be successful. However, Machiavelli made an oversight.

Read More

Machiavelli Vs Socrates

2023 Words | 9 Pages

Machiavelli relies on his knowledge of history to conclude that Princes who abide by a standard moral code rarely succeed. He stands by his argument that the end justifies the means for the prince. For the prince, the means is whatever is in his best interests, not necessarily the interests of his people. Sometimes, a Prince must create his new standard of morality, and sometimes change it, to meet his new means and maintain power. He believed that morality is a fluid concept, changing as the interests and the challenges of the Prince evolve.

Read More

Machiavelli's Views On Commoners

469 Words | 2 Pages

Machiavelli states rulers should gain and maintain power by whatever means possible, even brutality and manipulation. Machiavelli also believed that commoners were only loyal to their leaders when their needs were met. He thought manipulation should be used to convince the commoners that their needs and interest were met. Overall, Machiavelli viewed the commoners as an essential source of power for leaders, felt they were somewhat challenging to control, and must be carefully governed to gain stability in the state and avoid insurrection (Machiavelli, 1532/2003).

Read More

Qualities Of A Good Man In Machiavelli's The Prince

1284 Words | 6 Pages

In Machiavelli’s book, The Prince, he maintains a harsh perspective on reality. His advice on how to maintain power leaves no room for compassion or generousity. While some may believe that these are qualities of a good person, Machiavelli believes these qualities lead to the downfall of rulers. He acknowledges that, in reality, it is impossible for someone to have qualities of a good person and simultaneously a good ruler. Machiavelli’s realistic outlook causes him to emphasize that it is better to maintain power through fear, rather than compassion.

Read More

More about How Does Machiavelli Support Secular Humanism

Related Topics

Open Document