Political Realism, Machiavelli and Hobbes Flashcards
(20 cards)
The end of medieval conceptions of peace among christian nations
new idea on human nature, peace and war. Breakdown of Christendom in 16th century because of the rise of new nations and monarchies. Emphasis on the individual instead of the community.
Crisis of the early Renaissance (3)
Diminishing authority of the church and concept of ‘just war’ subject to controversy.
Early Italian humanist challenged the doctrine.
Changes in military techonogy rendered conflicts more brutal (pessimistic view of mankind)
Machiavelly, “centaur”
In ‘The Prince’, ruler should be half-beast, half-human, being able to use both law and force.
New monarchies vs the former unity of Christendom
Canon law loses influence over the conduct of war.
Chivalry loses its appeal with the passing of feudal system
Secularization of political authority.
Moderate realism
morality should not always govern state conduct
Radical realism
Morality should never govern state conduct
Machiavelli, governance
good government not ethical by nature, but ready to do whatever to garantee the stability and prosperity of the state. Key concept: Necessity
Augustine vs Machiavelli
Augusitine: war is to be avoided, can only be justified if it is to bring peace.
Machiavelli: Necessity is dictated by the logic of power, not by a desire for peace
Machiaveli, recurring patterns
People have the same desires, thus their actions have the same results
Machiavelli, Cruelties
some are badly used, others well used. Key idea is necessity, if they are well used, those who use them can remedy themselves with God and men. Those cruelty must be done all at once, so that after we can slowly do good and people will forgive us.
Machiavelli, humans
driven by their own self interests, insatiable quest for wealth, honor and power.
Machiavelli, religion
rejects its place in political theory
Mchiavelli, raison d’état
justification for the prince’s action, even if they could be considered immoral, what is good for the sate is good for humankind
Machiavelli, Conduct of the Prince
Should appear to conform to Christian virtues for legitimacy, but must sometimes act against his faith (necessity)
Machiavelli, functioning of the state
A state requires justice (to restrain) and arms (to protect) to survive and grow. Justice is only within th state, outside is necessity only that dictates if we should wage war or not
Machiavelli’s Art of War arguments
Virtue is required for soldiers. Against merceneries, army should belong to the people.
Hobbes, Human nature
Good and Evil only terms to describe an individual’s desires, can only be restrained by law, it is not bad or our fault that we have these desires.
Hobbes, State of nature
Anarchy, war of all against all
Hobbes, soldier/political authority
political authority and the obligation of a soldier comes only from the sovereign’s ability to protect and keep peace
Hobbes, conquest
If a soldier becomes subject to a conqueror, he has no obligations toward his former sovereign
