The Prince as an Argument

Paper Summary:

In this essay the writer argues several issues regarding the Prince and Machiavelli's favored form of governance. The article discusses these ultimately by sticking to a theme that the Prince though arguing for the surest ways to rule a principality, a form of despotic governance under the control of one strong leader, is actually not arguing against republicanism. In fact, as the writer shows, there are hints at the power of republicanism by Machiavelli, particularly from the Roman Republic. The writer notes that he is arguing neither for nor against republicanism, but sticking to a theme of how to rule a principality.

From the Paper:

"Niccolo Machiavelli's the Prince is a guide book for leaders explaining how to govern a principality. In Chapter I, Machiavelli explains how, the principality is one type of state, while the other type is the republic. People in a principality are ruled by a strong central ruler, while in the republic is ruled by a freer populace. The principality remains a personal patrimony, a possession more in line with a medieval conception of the foundation of rule. Machiavelli is not meaning to show an explicit preference for either form of governance."

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