Machiavelli the Religious Humanist

Paper Summary:

This paper presents clear and specific examples and lessons learned by Machiavelli which greatly impacted his views on life and religion which garnered him a reputation as a brilliant and well respected philosopher. The writer of this paper contends and proves that Machiavelli was also a religious humanist by focusing on his impact and involvement in both the political and religious arenas. This paper examines the early roots of humanism and religious humanism which have been traced back to the Renaissance era. This paper defines humanism as a naturalistic view that rejects the supernatural or ideas that cannot be proven by logic or science. This paper examines the views and opinions of Machiavelli who clearly thought things through very much in style associated with the humanistic philosophy which promotes self thought and reflection, while urging others to think for themselves.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Niccolo Machiavelli
Humanist
Machiavelli as a Humanist
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"Machiavelli would certainly concur with the notion that religion creates distortions and ironies. But Humanists as a group also have underlying problems within their own ranks because they do not agree on certain facts. For example, Modern Humanism splits into two sub-categories, secular and religious. The dispute is between these factions. "The fact is that many Protestants, Catholics, and Jews--along with secular humanists--believe in and teach the theory of evolution in biology courses." Ironically, Secular and Religious Humanists seem to share similar worldviews and therefore follow similar principles which was confirmed when each factions created and signed the Humanist Manifesto I in 1933 and the revision in 1973. Religious Humanists who are secular have an understanding that human beings do have personal and social needs."

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