"The Prince" and "The Discourses"

Paper Summary:

This paper compares these two writings and explains that the similarities in these two texts are fairly obvious. It shows how Machiavelli provides some of the very same advice for leaders of republics that he does for leaders of principalities. It discusses that, within "The Prince", however, we find a much more personal approach to the topic of leadership. Specifically, we are given a template for how an individual in the position of a prince should behave if he wishes to retain power. In "The Discourses", on the other hand, the writer explains that Machiavelli endeavors to weigh different forms of government and their limitations against one another, ultimately landing upon what he believes to be the three most viable forms of government.

From the Paper:

"Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli emerged as one of the first true secularist philosophers to come out of the Christian West. In succeeding years his name would become infamous; his views, associated with Satan and immorality. However, Machiavelli's most significant contributions to Western thought never overtly favored scheming or devious methods to more morally acceptable ones. But rather, he generally acknowledged that any actions taken in the acquisition and sustention of power were tolerable and necessary for a lasting society. Essentially, Machiavelli threw out all previous notions regarding morality and ethical behavior. Instead, he adopted the premise that all people were prone to corruption and ambition; accordingly, they would employ any means at their disposal given the opportunity to achieve their goals. It was Machiavelli's insights into the workings of government presented in both The Prince and The Discourses that marked his true contribution to philosophy."

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