Virtue in Machiavelli's "The Prince" Analytical Essay by scribbler

This paper interprets the view of virtue in Machiavelli's "The Prince" and draws comparisons with earlier Platonic and Aristotelian views of virtue and politics. The paper finds that in Machiavelli's view, the ruler practices virtue outside the bounds of traditional moral excellence and character; virtue comes closer to whatever is necessary for political power. The paper discusses how in contrast to Plato, Aristotle, and Augustine, Machiavelli sees no problem in the ruler pursuing passions or entering into good or evil if it is beneficial and expedient for power retention, and he does not insist that social good be in the forefront of political philosophy. The paper explains how this goes against the earlier Greek theories that placed lofty ideals of the communal good at the heart of political virtue.