Abstract
Machiavelli in "The Prince" provides detailed instruction to a teenaged ruler, one who has already received the childhood moral education from fairy tales and folk parables and is ready for actual, direct instruction in his official duties. This work was a specific guide, written on the model of historic rulers and societies. Based, in no small part, upon the life of Caesar Borgia, a heavy-handed dictatorial ruler, Machiavelli sought to describe the perfect state, one that, if it must have a Prince, should be run in the manner described. The work, however, would meet with a great deal of dismay and horror by the people he intended to "get in" with. In his need to become part of the political life of Italy (in which he had, at one time, been as influential and significant as Sir Thomas More had been in England) created "The Prince", a tract that did not truly reflect his own philosophies of political life, but one, he vainly hoped, would be received well by the ruling family. The purpose of "The Prince" also encompasses a trade-school-like approach, where the intricacies of policy, management and behavior are spelled out directly, in clear, plain language. It is the intent of this paper to examine the role of the Prince in relation to the people from the framework of political function as outlined in Machiavelli's work.

Abstract
Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" is a realistic guide to political action and statecraft written in the midst of the turbulent Italian Renaissance by a writer who, through his diplomatic work on behalf of Florence, was well-acquainted with the political world of his time. This paper, with reference to Machiavelli's text, argues that its basic message to the Prince (the hypothetical reader of the work) is that he should be both ruthless and cynical in order to gain power and rule well. Moreover, the paper shows that, through a setting of Machiavelli's ideas in their historical context, a successful leader in Italy during the 1500s had to act in a realistic, if ruthless, manner if the leader could ever hope to unite Italy and free the country from its foreign occupiers.

From the Paper
"One of the strengths of The Prince is how Machiavelli supports his arguments with references to actual political figures and events of his own time or of history. Thus, Machiavelli frames his basic message - that a Prince must be both realistic and ruthless in order to be a successful leader - within his contemporary context of Renaissance Italy in the 1500s. This is a significant point, for this context not only supports Machiavelli's arguments but also - it may be argued - provides the explanation for why Machiavelli is saying what he is saying at that particular time."

Tags:Italian, Renaissance, Florence

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."

Tags:machiavelli, prince, discourses

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."

Tags:Machiavelli, Prince, power, politics

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 ... "

Tags:machiavelli, prince, state, sovereignty, authority, army, rule

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 ..."

Tags:erasmus, and, machiavelli

Abstract
The paper relates that in Chapter VII, it becomes obvious that Machiavelli is equally concerned with the skills by which power is maintained as he is with the strengths that are used to seize that power. The paper looks at how Machiavelli states his belief that the most valuable of these skills is that of self-sufficiency; that is, if a prince is capable of achieving power and maintaining power using his own personal strengths and skills, he is more likely to succeed than someone who has been given his power through "fortune." The paper explains that this lack of self sufficiency is enough to cause Cesare Borgia to fail, in Machiavelli's eyes, despite whatever strengths that Borgia otherwise demonstrated.

From the Paper
"Contrary to popular opinion, Machiavelli was neither evil nor did he necessarily advocate being sadistic without reason. When reading "The Prince", it is important to remember that this book was written at another time and for another place; at the time that Machiavelli wrote his work, the world was ruled by individuals who had absolute power over their subjects and their subjects actions without any retribution from the people over whom they had control. Machiavelli, therefore, was not himself describing actions that were unduly cruel; rather, he was describing in a largely dispassionate manner..."

Tags:machiavelli, the prince, borgia

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 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."

Tags:analysis, aristotle, machiavelli, politcal, prince, theory, society, noble, govern, rulers, politicians, position, trust, character, governor, literature, western, diplomat, bureaucrat, negotiation, printing, press, mass, production

Abstract
This paper looks at the similarities between Shakespeare's "Henry V" and Machiavelli's "The Prince", and the concept of the perfect king. The two plays are discussed, and the concept that either Shakespeare is drawing his inspiration for his dramatization from Machiavelli or that both Machiavelli and Shakespeare have similar ideas of what the ideal ruler would be.

From the Paper
"In Henry V, Shakespeare presents Henry as the ultimate ideal of kingship. The only question is where does this idea of a perfect king come from, and after reading Machiavelli's Prince and Henry V one begins to note similarities. Not the least of which is the passage quoted above, a true Machiavellian manoeuvre. In this passage, the governor of Harfleur, the French city under siege by Henry's troops, has refused entrance to the army of Henry. As Machiavelli says, "it is wiser to have a reputation for meanness which brings reproach without hatred, than to be compelled through seeking a reputation for liberality". Therefore, Henry, following this advice of Machiavelli, does exactly that, and frightens the innocent people of Harfleur into opening their city gates through the sheer grotesqueness of his command. We frequently see these similarities between the actions of Henry, at least through Shakespeare's portrayal, and the recommended actions of a good prince, as documented in Machiavelli's The Prince. Therefore, one might draw the conclusion that either Shakespeare is drawing his inspiration for his dramatization from Machiavelli or that both Machiavelli and Shakespeare have similar ideas of what the ideal ruler would be."

Tags:england, european, italy, kingship, leadership, machiavelli, relations, renaissance, rulers, shakespeare