ipl-logo

Political Perspectives Of Niccolo Machiavelli's Political Views

926 Words4 Pages

Machiavelli's Political Views Niccolo Machiavelli is treated as “one of the founders of philosophy of history and one of the first to create a political science based on the studying of historical actions” (“Machiavelli's The Prince”). The man lived in 15th and 16th centuries, but his political views are still appropriate for today, despite the fact his ideas were called dishonest, sinister and cunning. The Prince is one of the most famous Machiavelli's political works. It was written in 1513 and was dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici. The book is unique “not because it explains how to take control of other lands and how to control them, but because it gives advice that often disregards all moral and ethical rules” (“Machiavelli's The Prince”). …show more content…

Many author’s ideas state that the ends justify the means. In other words Machiavelli believed that even unethical, cruel actions are appropriate, if they would lead to the effective ruling. For example, the Chapter 17 says the governor should choose cruelty not mercy because it “is much safer to be feared than loved” (Machiavelli 79). In other words, author advises rulers not give up on repressions and other sanctions in attempt to maintain and improve their positions in state. These actions will be justified, even in case of human losses, if the goal will be achieved. Machiavelli also defends wars in case of the statement “ends justify the means”. In the Chapter 14 he claims that “prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war” (Machiavelli 67). This attitude helps the governor to keep officials and other people on tenterhooks so they will not be able to think about other things like the rebellion. Machiavelli understood such position will cause many human tolls both in the governor’s country and on the enemy’s side. But he justified wars, because they helped to achieve the goal to protect and improve the ruler’s position. Author believed that princes are allowed to do negative things as they will lead to their development as

Show More
Related

Ehrenreich's Argument About The Eeriness In The Lack Of Real Life

104 Words | 1 Pages

The flaw in Ehrenreich’s argument about the eeriness in the lack of real life scenarios on television is that television was crafted for people to escape their reality. The example of a person watching another person watching television on a tv show is fatuous. In reality the stunts that are portrayed in those shows can not be done, but seeing them be performed on tv allows for individuals to release the urges to replicate them in real life. The plots of the stories serve as a form of art that is reflected onto tv and can be interpreted an unlimited amount of ways .

Read More

How Did John Locke Influence The American Constitution

542 Words | 3 Pages

We find traces of his philosophy in modern politics by how people running for seats of power make many promises in their campaign and once the people elect them, they may fall short in accomplishing their promises. Where Machiavelli mentioned using cruelty, one can say this applied to the rise of Hitler’s reign by how he punished the Jew’s and other minorities all the while maintaining a merciful appearance for those who supported

Read More

The Prince Rhetorical Analysis

676 Words | 3 Pages

In Niccolo Machiavelli's book, The Prince (1513), he evaluates on how a prince can be a successful leader. Machiavelli’s purpose of this guidebook was to construct his argument to the rising ruler Giuliano de Medici for when he comes to power in Florence. He adopts a casual but authoritative tone in order to convince the prince that Machiavelli’s evaluation on how to be the best prince, is the right thing for the prince to do without coming off as he knows more than the prince or is trying to intimidate him.. Machiavelli’s reference to previous rulers and whether their tactics failed or succeeded helps to benefit his credibility along with his allusion to historic text. He appeals to our logic by simply stating a prince can only do what is within his power to control, and his use of an analogy furthers his argument.

Read More

Machiavelli The Prince Violence Quotes

267 Words | 2 Pages

In the book, “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli, he talks about how to maintain and capture a state. He also describes that you should encourage violence in your government in order to succeed. Machiavelli’s reasoning in Chapter 5 is that violence is the more efficient and effective way to conquer countries because its gets the job done easier and puts fear in the people eyes. For example, Machiavelli writes, … “in truth there is no safe way to retain them otherwise than by ruining them.” This quote goes back to his reasoning that in order to achieve your goal, you have to destroy whatever stands in its way.

Read More

Was Machiavelli's Ideal To Be Liberal Or Recluse

191 Words | 1 Pages

Machiavelli's logic is fundamentally to end up a decent pioneer you should do anything even it is corrupt and off-base. He first composes that a ruler's obligation concerning military matter should dependably consider war just, even in times of peace. They should know their surroundings precisely so they can safeguard and make compelling methodologies to counter the adversary's assault. They should likewise know verifiable fights so they will have the capacity to take in their strategies and enhance it. He then discusses the sovereign's way; ought to the ruler be liberal or a recluse.

Read More

Thomas Jefferson And Niccolo Machiavelli's The Morals Of The Prince

762 Words | 4 Pages

Thomas Jefferson and Niccolo Machiavelli both believe that the actions of the people shape the characteristics of the ruler and define the type of authority that will be held towards the people. Machiavelli, the first great political philosopher of the Renaissance, argues all men are untrustworthy due to their selfish, self-interested and impulsive ways of life in his writing, The Morals of the Prince, and therefore, to keep the people under control the ruler must be prepared to be cruel and instill fear among the people. Opposing Machiavelli is Jefferson. In The Declaration of Independence Jefferson believes people can be trusted since they have the ability to make their own decisions. Whereas Machiavelli supports tyranny, Jefferson believes

Read More

Political Ideologies In Thomas Jefferson's Declaration Of Independence

850 Words | 4 Pages

In the book, Machiavelli writes, “It is better to be feared than loved”. This statement reflects Machiavelli’s belief that rulers should be willing to do whatever is necessary to maintain power, even if it means using fear and violence to control their subjects. Machiavelli’s political ideology was a product of the historical and cultural context in which he lived. The Renaissance was a time of political and social upheaval, and Machiavelli’s philosophy of power and control was a response to the challenges of his

Read More

REAL-POLIK: A Prince's Means

1794 Words | 8 Pages

REAL-POLITIK: THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS “Let a prince therefore aim at conquering and maintaining the state, and the means will always be judged honourable and praised by everyone.” “For where the very safety of the country depends upon the resolution to be taken, no consideration of justice or injustice, humanity or cruelty, of glory or of shame, should be allowed to prevail. But putting all other considerations aside, the only question should be; what course will save the life and liberty of the country?” Machiavelli emphasized that being a good politician doesn’t always necessarily equate to being a good person. However, Machiavelli never praised immorality.

Read More

Three Beasts In Dante's Inferno

1057 Words | 5 Pages

Machiavelli generally believes that laws are good when followed naturally from a good military. He even states that war is necessary and is generally the cause of states that are well-formed and successful. Throughout the book, the idea of a good war is created along with how to fortify cities, treat newly found humans in new territories, and to prevent problems with domestic politics. He also believes that more than just the military is needed throughout a war. International diplomacy, geography, history, and tactical strategy are all described by the author.

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

Machiavelli's Humanism

181 Words | 1 Pages

The Prince elaborates that to every successful state, there is a successful war. Machiavelli believes that war is the basis to a good state. He says “The first way to lose a state is to neglect the art of war; the first way to gain a state is to be skilled in the art of war.” (The Prince VI). The Prince talks

Read More

Principality In The Prince

1652 Words | 7 Pages

According to him, rulers should know their respective limits when it comes to the force and violence they inflict. Machiavelli believes that maximizing betrayal, deception and other cruel acts aren’t considered talents. Although these methods are effective in gaining empire, these don’t help in getting glory. Therefore, using violence and cruelty may be necessary but should have limits. The prince must know up to what extent his violence should be inflicted upon and he must do it all at once to avoid the hatred and resentment from his

Read More

Erasmus Vs Machiavelli

1034 Words | 5 Pages

Machiavelli has the most correct ideas on both controlling the people as a ruler and on being remembered as a great one. These two viewpoints had great influence during their time and for centuries to come, both with modern ideas and correct ideas even though they had a lot of contrast. Machiavelli’s The Prince may be thought of the more recognizable of the two in the present, but people in the present day have many of the same ideas that

Read More

The Principles Of Leadership In The Prince By Machiavelli

1238 Words | 5 Pages

Probably one of the most infamous and controversial ideologies of the 16th century, the prince by Machiavelli has been a reference for many great leaders and academicians since it was published. The book provides historically tested and proven principles of leadership. The prince has been described as a manual for those who want to win and retain power. While some may argue that leadership is an inherent trait in human, leaders are made, not born. Making a great leader out of a person is not just a matter of identifying the leadership traits, skill and talents of the individual, but harnessing the traits, develop them and eventually mastering how to be leader.

Read More

Machiavelli: The Characteristics Of Being A Good Prince

1526 Words | 7 Pages

Focusing on war even in times of peace is essential and id the only thing that can keep the state safe. If the prince does not focus and what is important or virtù (war) than the state will be completely dependent on fortuna. ( Machiavelli, 31) He uses the example of leaders like

Read More

More about Political Perspectives Of Niccolo Machiavelli's Political Views

Related Topics

Open Document