Niccolo Machiavelli and Political Philosophy Essay

Niccolo Machiavelli and Political Philosophy Niccolo Machiavelli is revered as the founder of modern political philosophy. He was considered a realist because he concerned himself only with the political situations that actually arose in reality, where as previous philosophers were concerned largely with the theoretical politics of an idealist perfect society. In Machiavellis The Prince, written to the ruler of Florence at the time, Lorenzo de Medici, he analyzes the characteristics of numerous past rulers. In doing so, Machiavelli presents Medici with a sort of guidebook of successful political practices. Machiavelli goes against Platonic philosophy. Whereas Plato believed that human kind was virtuous by nature, with†¦show more content†¦Machiavelli begins by saying that the most difficult thing for a ruler to do is to acquire a new kingdom. This may be accomplished one of two ways, either by the arms of others or by ones own, either by fortune or virtue. What he means by the arms of others and fortune is mona rchs that inherit their kingdoms. When Machiavelli refers to using ones own arms or virtue, he is in fact equating virtue with force. By advocating the use of force, Machiavelli became the first political thinker to suggest power politics. According to Machiavelli, acquiring a kingdom by force is perfectly all right, because the desired end justifies any means necessary to achieve it. He does however instruct Medici as to the good and bad use of cruelties. By this, Machiavelli is referring to both the effective and non-effective uses of force. Machiavelli states that Good use is when#8230;is when they [acts of cruelty] are perpetrated all at once#8230;and subsequently not repeated. Much like the reign or terror instituted by C. Marius in the late Roman republic or the killing of the Russian royal family during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Machiavelli advocated the swift use of blatant force to kill off the opposition as well as to strike fear into the hearts of the masses. Over time the ruler may make the use of his force less often, thus giving him the appearance of being kind. Machiavelli goes on to say that the bad use of cruelty is when theyShow MoreRelatedThe Political Philosophy Of Niccolo Machiavell i And Socrates1444 Words   |  6 PagesAmong the most well-known and notorious philosophers, Niccolo Machiavelli and Socrates laid the groundwork for western political philosophy and modern day politics. Though both lived through times of political transition and war, the fragility of their politics, violence of their wars, and the leaders they lived under influenced the development of their differing ideologies about the governing of principalities. From Machiavelli’s experience, came, â€Å"The Prince,† a guidebook about the importance ofRead MoreIn the Defense of The Prince1333 Words   |  5 Pagescould look like remorseless; however, the deeper the meanings are reached once with a glance at Machiavellis morals and arguments achieved. Inside this essay, I will discuss the deserves, shortfalls and contravene arguments of the philosopher political philosophy and system. Also, I will be able to check up on Machiavellis personal history; furthermore to grasp abundant any what and the way drive this argument. It is scarcely scarily eerie to relish the philosopher system. His manner of cerebratingRead MoreEssay on Machiavelli1580 Words   |  7 Pages The Italian Renaissance is known for its birth of many notable philosophers, including the famous Niccolo Machiavelli. He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest political thinkers to have ever existed, and his ideas and beliefs have been an inspiration and motivation for many famous leaders. Although he has known to have been a positive influence on mankind, Machiavelli has also distinguished a bad reputation that has been unfairly given to him because of a misunderstanding in his views on politicsRead MoreThe Life And Importance Of Machiavelli Essay1367 Words   |  6 PagesLife and Importance of Machiavelli â€Å"There are three kinds of intelligence: one kind understands things for itself, the other appreciates what others can understand, the third understands neither for itself nor through others. This first kind is excellent, the second good, and the third kind useless† (Niccolà ² Quotes). Niccolà ² Machiavelli was one of the greatest influences on our world today. His research and philosophies explored new strategies and ways of thinking. Machiavelli was before his own timeRead MoreEssay about Niccolo Machiavelli1653 Words   |  7 Pagesto legend, just before his death, Niccolo Machiavelli told his friends that had remained faithful to him up until the very end about a dream he had had. In his dream, he had seen a group of peasants, wretched and decrepit in appearance. He asked them who they were. They replied, ‘We are the saintly and the blessed; we are on our way to heaven.’ Then he saw a crowd of formally attired men, aristocratic and grim in appearance, s peaking solemnly of important political matters. Again, he asked them whoRead MoreSocrates And Niccolo Machiavelli1735 Words   |  7 PagesEssay 1: Socrates and Machiavelli Although Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli lived in different time periods, the political climate that their philosophies were founded on were very similar. The trial of Socrates began after the Peloponnesian War when the new Spartan Tyranny took over the Athenian government. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods by the Spartan government. In the eyes of the Spartan government Socrates is a gadfly because of his posing of upsettingRead MoreMachiavelli’s Political Ideas and Influence1477 Words   |  6 PagesMachiavelli’s Political Ideas and Influence By: Reed Rosencrans The Renaissance took place in Italy during the fourteenth through sixteenth centuries. The Renaissance was a â€Å"rebirth† and revival of political and social ideas from the Ancient Greek and Roman eras. One social ideal of the Renaissance was Humanism. Humanism was a Renaissance idea that emphasis human potential and ability. A political idea from the Renaissance was political realism. Political realism is when a ruler accomplishesRead MoreThree Points that Niccolo Machiavelli Illustrates in The Prince743 Words   |  3 PagesThree Points that Niccolo Machiavelli Illustrates in The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli is a very pragmatic political theorist. His political theories are directly related to the current bad state of affairs in Italy that is in dire need of a new ruler to help bring order to the country. Some of his philosophies may sound extreme and many people may call him evil, but the truth is that Niccolo Machiavelli’s writings are only aimed at fixing the current corruptions and cruelties that filled theRead More Cassirer, Nietzsche and Niccolà ² Machiavellis The Prince Essay1154 Words   |  5 PagesCassirer, Nietzsche and Niccolà ² Machiavellis The Prince When the word Renaissance is mentioned, an image of love for antiquity learning and fine arts usually springs to ones mind. Yet this perception, however legitimate it may be in many areas of Renaissance human achievements, shatters in the face of Niccolà ² Machiavellis masterpiece The Prince. Unlike his contemporary Baldassare Castiglione who exemplified subtlety, Machiavelli was ruthlessly practical, nonchalantly callous, and admirablyRead MoreWell Balanced Leadership: An Ideal Way to Approach Humanity Essay555 Words   |  3 Pagesgiven by Niccolo Machiavelli on governing a society contradicts that of Lao-Tzus in the way they differ in philosophies, yet the ends they seek to meet are similar. They each had unique philosophies on leadership. As I attempt in trying to find commonalities in these two philosophies, the only one that I can sense is that both give advice on how to lead a nation to maintain prosperity, safety, and peace. I also find truth in the book statement tha t reads: Like Lao-Tzu, Machiavelli is brief