Abstract This paper discusses Machiavelli's political outlooks and specifically the roles of chance and necessity in politics. While necessity is paramount in Machiavelli's political ideology, his life and writings are consistently troubled by the presence of the "supernatural" force of "Fortuna". Although in his writings, especially "The Prince" he attempts to instruct would-be rulers on how to prepare for, accommodate and tame fortune in order to turn it to their advantage, he concedes that the will of the goddess is sometimes unavoidable. However, Machiavelli's works were written during violent times. Times of conflict and instability. His work principally concedes that the world and society is inherently flawed, and he attempts to devise measures and procedures to somewhat remedy the ills that they experienced.Machiavelli received lots of critisicm and stigma because of his profound ideals with with the author agrees.
From the Paper " Almost all commentators on Machiavelli say that his principal innovation, and the essence of this method, was to "divorce politics from ethics". Thereby he broke sharply with the Aristotelian tradition, which had dominated medieval political thought. His method, they grant, freed politics to become more scientific and objective in its study of human behavior; but it was most dangerous because, through it, politics was released from "control" by ethical conceptions of what is right and good."
Abstract In this paper, Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Boccaccio's "Decameron" are compared and contrasted on several different levels. Both works are considered in terms of their historical contexts. Questions of leadership and social change are also analyzed in terms of the authors' works. The paper also compares Machiavelli's philosophy to that of Christine de Pizan. Finally, the author examines both works in terms of their gender roles.
Morality and Virtue in the Society: Social and Political Perspectives from Niccolo Machiavelli and Christine de Pizan
Machiavelli and De Pizan on Gender Role Differences
From the Paper "De Pizan, on the other hand, offered a different way of looking into a political issue, especially if this issue involves an important sector in the society: women. In her discourse, "The Treasure of the City of Ladies," De Pizan contemplated how human society had developed the psyche and perception that females are inherently inferior to males. This issue was borne out of the author's observation how literary and scholarly works portray a common stereotype of women as subversive to men, depicted as uneducated and not able to create decisions for themselves. In the words of Pizan, "learned men" tend depict women through 'wicked insults" about their behavior. This drove her to investigate and know the origin of this perception and wrong portrayal of women in Western societies."
Tags: The Prince, Decameron, Italy, social, change, Enlightenment, Machiavelli, Boccaccio, De, Pizan
Abstract This political study analyzes the major ethical and moral foundations for governing that reside in the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, Aristotle, and Machiavelli. By understanding the premise of an ethical government in Aristotle's point view, the writer shows that the basis for a republican ethical and morality systems are a function of good political structures in government. However, the writer points out that Thomas Hobbes and Machiavelli disagree with this point of view, finding that self-preservation for elites is the foundation of most governing bodies through the reality of human nature. Further, the writer notes that aside from the dogmatic philosophy of Aristotle that seeks to propose ethical standards in government, both Hobbes and Machiavelli are realists in their understanding of human nature and the often-cruel conflicts that reside within the quest for power.
From the Paper "... the critical philosophical premise to human nature that ultimately helps one realize how persons that attain power utilize it not for the greater good, but for the self-preservation of the person that is not satisfied with their own portion of power. In this manner, Hobbes provides the deeper insight into governing bodies and how they function, since it is often the issue of self-preservation that often dictates government, whether it be called republican, monarchy, etc., and that power forces men to abide by constitutions and rules only for their own greater personal success. "
Abstract This paper examines, compares and contrasts the theories of Thomas Hobbes and Niccolo Machiavelli regarding man and politics. The paper focuses on Machiavelli's formulation of human nature, virtue and politics. Then the paper looks at Hobbes' dissatisfaction with Machiavellian political theory.
From the Paper "Two of the best known modern philosophers who have taken up questions regarding man and politics or man and his life in civil society are Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes. Machiavelli writing almost ...."
Abstract The paper looks at Machiavelli's "The Prince" and discusses what was written as a handbook for political leaders. The paper explains Machiavelli's conceptions of political effectiveness, including what makes for a strong or weak leader and examines its continuing relevance today.
From the Paper "Machiavelli's "The Prince" Introduction: Machiavelli's "The Prince" is often regarded as the beginning of political science as we now understand the term. Political theory is much older, at least as old as Plato, but it was static, seeking an ideal of the state based for example on a conception of happiness. Machiavelli introduced a way of thinking about political dynamics, how political leaders can respond to ever-changing circumstances in the real world."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that Machiavelli essentially formulated today's modern concept of the state. The writer examines the elements in Machiavelli's conception of state. The concepts of institutionalized authority and effective monopoly of force exercised through a national military force are discussed in this essay.
From the Paper "What is a state and what does Machiavelli have to tell us about it? In a modern textbook on political science or international relations a definition of a state will often be given. It will usually go something like this: A state is a political unit that controls some region or territory and exercises sovereignty and a monopoly of force over that territory. State also has other meanings in English and so does its ... "
Abstract This paper agrees with Machiavelli's idea that the only distinction between the prince and tyrant is the latter's improper motivation in self-gain. The author uses examples pertaining to World War II such as Churchill and Hitler and to Idi Amin. The paper presents quotations from both "The Prince" and "The Discourses" and commentary on Machiavelli's times and career, which shaped his political thought."
From the Paper "This paper discusses the distinction made between a prince and a tyrant by Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), a figure often referred to as the father of modern political theory. In his well-known "The Prince" (1513) and the manuscript known as "The Discourses" (1531) which seem to further develop many of the ideas found in "The Prince", Machiavelli made clear the important distinction that he saw. Machiavelli's manner of thinking continues to be visible in the contemporary world, in distinctions that can be made between leaders and ordinary tyrants to have achieved political power."
Abstract The paper discusses that it is rather unusual to compare Machiavelli and Augustine, as they are regarded as utterly different theorists. Augustine's reputation is that of a saintly figure, a man who in many ways molded Christian doctrine. On the other hand, most people have very negative associations with Machiavelli, who is seen as advocating political opportunism. The paper shows that their understanding of the relationship between morality and religion, on the one hand and politics on the other hand, were just as different as we might expect.
Abstract "This paper claims that "The Education of a Christian Prince" by Erasmus of Rotterdam and "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli provide sharply contrasting views regarding the conduct and purpose of princely rulers. It explains that due to the influence of Christian principles and doctrines, Erasmus took a strongly pacifist view which emphasized that a prince must govern justly and benevolently, while Machiavelli viewed Christianity with contempt and advocated the ruthless pursuit of princely self-interest.
From the Paper "The Education of a Christian Prince by Erasmus of Rotterdam, and The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli provide sharply contrasting views regarding the conduct and purpose of princely rulers. Influenced by Christian principles and doctrine, Erasmus took a strongly pacifist view which emphasized that a prince must govern justly and benevolently, while Machiavelli viewed Christianity with contempt and advocated the ruthless pursuit of princely self-interest. The Education of a Christian Prince was published in the early sixteenth century and was written for the primary benefit of Prince Charles, who later became the Emperor Charles V. Like Machiavelli's The Prince, it became one of the most influential books published during the Renaissance. Both books were widely read by ruling ..."
Abstract The paper discusses humanities in the medieval and renaissance period. The paper examines if religion in present in Machiavelli. The paper argues that there is religion in Machiavelli and explains that this religion is both direct and indirect.
From the Paper "Niccolo Machiavelli is one of the most controversial thinkers in Renaissance Europe. This is because his most famous work "The Prince" created a radically different and in some ways a dark and disturbing picture of political life. For example, in the "Introduction" to "The Prince" Anthony Grafton argues, "A prince who truly understood 'virtue'- in the sense of the qualities needed to perpetuate his state and his own power-would prefer the 'vice' of meanness to the 'virtue' of liberality." (Grafton xxiii). What this statement indicates is that Machiavelli was changing the way the political world was perceived."
Abstract This paper reviews Noah Webster's description of Niccolo Machiavelli as an Italian statesman, political philosopher and an artist. In his "own science of politics", he steps back into the depth and distance of the past to portray a perspective of the best that government can and should become as a necessary model for the citizens of a state and the "protection of [their] liberty". The paper further discusses how, for over a century, during Machiavelli's lifetime and career, "five Italian states (Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome, and Venice) had been locked in a struggle for dominance".
Abstract This is a paper comparing Machiavelli's uses of "Fortuna" and "Virtu". It draws upon his uses from various works such as "The Prince", "The Discourses", "The Florentine Histories", "Clizia", and "The Mandrake Root".
Abstract This paper examines the political theory of Niccolo Machiavelli. The author deals with his theory and writings on the use of dictators during war times and the citizens rights.
From the Paper "Niccolo Machiavelli's ideology toward popular government can be seen as him being against a democratic form of government. He says that dictatorship works best because ordinary people do not have the ability to govern themselves. A dictatorship is necessary because thee Prince is able to instill fear in the people the threat of punishment exists which makes it easier to govern. Dictatorship allows the Prince to decide what is in the best interests of its citizens. "Men love at their own free will, but fear at the will of the Prince"A wise Prince must rely on what is in his power and not on what is in the power of others.? (Mc Donald, 1986)"
Tags: discources, machiavelli, political, theory, dictatorship, power, govern
Abstract This paper looks at Machievelli's "The Prince," and the affect it's mass publication had on the world's impression of European society. The author examines why this work had such an affect, what actually happened, and also looks at the world's fascination with this particular work. The author presents some of the radical ideas presented, including that for the first time, instead of idealizing the prince and his position, Machiavelli looked for what made for effective governance.
From the Paper "To begin with, it would seem necessary that an attempt be made to present a basic definition of what 'idealizing'. The concept of an ideal is contestable to be sure, as there are various definitions of what constitutes an ideal determined depending upon whom the question is being asked. It is also possible though, that people may share the same or similar ideals. The ideal may refer to a maxim, an idea, or the qualities of a leader. When an ideal or idealization is mentioned therefore, it is in reference to the assigning of properties of merit or worth to one of the items mentioned above. In regards to Machiavelli, part of the argument of this paper is that what makes him unique as a political writer is that he does not idealize the role of 'prince' in society. With this very general idea of what an ideal or what idealization is, it is now possible to move on to an examination of what the 'ideal' of the prince was prior to Machiavelli's period."
Abstract This paper includes a biography of Machiavelli, a survey of his major ideas and how he came to hold them, and discussion of those ideas in light of his time as well as from the perspective of the present day.
