Machiavelli and Political Philosophy

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Questions and Answers

What does Machiavelli suggest about the traditional virtues of princes?

They are essential for maintaining power.

Princes should embody all traditional virtues.

Certain traditional vices may be necessary for maintaining rule. (correct)

Traditional virtues always lead to the loyalty of subjects.

Which concept refers to circumstances beyond one's control in Machiavelli's terms?

Courage

Pragmatism

Virtù

Fortuna (correct)

According to Machiavelli, how should a prince handle the perception of being miserly?

Maintain a frugal image to avoid imposing new taxes. (correct)

Spend lavishly to inspire loyalty.

Be indifferent to the opinion of subjects.

Display generosity to gain popularity.

What consequence does Machiavelli warn about regarding excessive generosity?

It can create financial strain that leads to new taxes. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Machiavelli's view, what is a major risk of idealism for a prince?

It can prove dangerous in a corrupt world. Signup and view all the answers

What should a ruler prioritize after achieving popularity?

Conserving wealth Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended balance between cruelty and mercy for a ruler?

Be cruel only to individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strategy for a prince who wishes to maintain a strong military?

Cultivating a reputation for cruelty Signup and view all the answers

What tactic should princes use regarding promises to achieve power?

Appear virtuous while acting unvirtuously Signup and view all the answers

Which action can help a prince avoid attracting contempt?

Keeping people satisfied Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for a prince to acquire prestige?

Doing great things and building up a military Signup and view all the answers

How should a ruler handle advice from his cabinet?

Encourage openness and truthfulness Signup and view all the answers

What should rulers consider regarding fortune in human affairs?

Preparation can help withstand fortune's changes Signup and view all the answers

What did Machiavelli write in an attempt to regain his status after imprisonment?

The Prince Signup and view all the answers

What is a key theme in Machiavelli's philosophy regarding power?

Immorality may be necessary to maintain power. Signup and view all the answers

According to Machiavelli, what is safer for a prince: to be loved or to be feared?

To be feared. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Machiavelli after the Medici took over Florence?

He was imprisoned and tortured. Signup and view all the answers

What remark does Machiavelli make about men in general?

They are fickle, cowardly, and greedy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)

Studied Latin, likely at the University of Florence
Appointed chancellor of Florence
Traveled as a diplomat
Medici family attacked and seized Florence
Imprisoned and tortured
Returned to his family farm
Wrote The Prince to regain his position under the Medici
Dedicated The Prince to the Medici
Also wrote Discourses about republics
Eventually regained a government role, but died.

Idealists vs. Realists

Many writers imagine ideal republics and principalities that don't exist in the real world.
This approach is dangerous because the gap between how people should behave and how they actually behave is huge.
A ruler focused on ideal behavior will likely lose power.
A ruler must be prepared to act immorally to maintain power.

Love or Fear?

Is it better to be loved or feared as a ruler?
Ideally, a ruler would combine both, but it is difficult.
People are typically ungrateful, fickle, deceptive, cowardly, and greedy.
They will support a ruler as long as benefitting them is immediate and not at risk.
Fear is a more reliable tool for maintaining power.

Machiavelli's Terms

Virtù: Ability, strength, or skill—a ruler may need abilities that deviate from traditional virtues to remain in power.
Fortuna: Unforeseen circumstances beyond one's control.

Things for Which Princes Are Praised or Blamed

Being an idealist is dangerous in a world filled with flawed individuals.
Traditional virtues (generosity, mercy, trustworthiness) may harm a ruler.
Traditional vices (miserliness, cruelty) can benefit a ruler maintaining power.
Some vices are beneficial for political success.

The Free Spender and the Tightwad

To be seen as miserly may be more beneficial in the long run.
Spending excessively to gain popularity is not sustainable.
Saving resources is important for defending against rivals.
Spending to gain popularity is sometimes necessary to become an emperor.
An exception is using wealth from conquests to promote popularity.

Cruelty and Mercy

Avoid extreme cruelty, or mercy that leads to rebellions
Targeting individuals, avoids major offence
Fear is preferred rather than love, if both can't be achieved
Don't take away subject's belongings or romantic partners.
Cruelty is necessary to maintain order and respect of the military

How Princes Should Keep Their Word

To gain greatness, a ruler must be clever and capable not to adhere to their promises.
Other rulers will not honour their promises to you, so you shouldn't expect them to.
Present a virtuous image but act as necessary.
Communicate virtuous ideas to manage public perception.
People prioritize appearances and results.

How to Avoid Attracting Contempt and Hatred

Avoid actions that cause contempt and hatred among the people.
Don't steal subject's property or romantic interests.
Maintain public satisfaction.
Over-leniency can lead to a poor result.

What a Prince Should Do to Acquire Prestige

Acquire prestige by completing great feats.
Build a powerful military to conquer.

How to Avoid Flatterers

Allow open communication of criticism
Being receptive to criticism builds a stronger leadership.
Get rid of those hiding negative information

Fortuna in Human Affairs and How to Withstand It

Many believe fortune governs events.
People can try to resist fortune by preparing for possible events
A ruler should adjust their methods based on the circumstances.
Remaining flexible is important in responding to changes in fortune

Impossible to Be Virtuous

Are there universal virtues that apply equally to all people, including leaders?
Are people generally virtuous?
Is it possible to rule effectively whilst being virtuous in a world of self-interest individuals
Are politicians justified in doing morally questionable things to maintain order?

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Description

Explore the life and writings of Niccolò Machiavelli, including his notable work The Prince. This quiz delves into the themes of idealism vs. realism in governance and the complexities of ruling with love and fear. Test your understanding of Machiavelli's influence on modern political thought.