Machiavelli Week 1 Flashcards
what is the genre mirrors for princes
mediaeval background genre - writing in political thought designed to be instructive for those in authority.
What was Machiavelli’s role before writing The Prince
was a diplomate working at the centre of negotiations
arguably what led him to write the prince?
he was falsely accused, arrested and tortured which led him to write the prince. there was no evidence suggesting that he was involved in the conspiracy though.
what is the intention of the book
it is an extremely short book discussing how to gain and hold onto power. it is a guide for those that are politically ambitious
what does machiavelli comment about human nature
the view we have of human nature is that we are encouraged to be good. however M suggests that we should think differently using vices to help us survive. he rejects Christian theories of the day of judgement and states that you will not be found of for making bad decisions
Politics and Machiavelli’s The Prince.
Robert Greene suggested that Machiavelli encourages us to consider strategy - politics is basically warfare in this sense and you have to adapt to the environment. But the dynamic of power is same regardless of the structure - power is a force.
Give three examples of people who have read the prince - historically speaking
Stalin, Napoleon and Mussolini have all read The Prince - book can encourage tyranny
is the political power described in the Prince existent today?
yes - modern day corporations arguably demonstrate the same political power
Example in modern day of seizing the opportunity
Tony Blair and the death of John Smith - grasped this.
Evaluate Machiavelli’s argument of whether or not it is better to be loved or feared?
far safer to be feared due to the deception of human nature - people are fickle and act in their own interests. don’t try and bind them to your affection. can’t stop someone from fearing you though.
But should you be hated?
M heavily argues that it should not go this far - should appoint other people to do your dirty work
Is the Prince a realistic guide to life
it is about the exposure of life and its reality - the realistic journey we take, a realistic view of human nature and the realistic journey after you have lost love and kindness.
