Political Philosophy: Machiavelli and Social Contract

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Questions and Answers

What is Machiavelli's view on human nature? Do you agree with him?

Machiavelli believed that humans are inherently selfish and only act in their own best interests. He argues that rulers must assume everyone will act this way, and be prepared to use force if necessary to keep power.

According to Machiavelli, what should the main goal of a ruler be?

Machiavelli argued that the primary focus of a ruler should be to instill fear in the population to ensure stability.

According to Machiavelli, fear is more effective than love as a method of control. Why?

Love can easily turn to resentment, while fear is a constant reminder of the consequences of disobedience. (correct)

All of these answers are correct. (correct)

Fear is a more secure way to maintain power as people are less likely to challenge the ruler's authority. (correct)

Love is a weaker motivator, as people will often betray the ruler if it is in their best interests. Fear is a stronger motivator than love in this regard. (correct)

What is the social contract theory? Do you agree with it?

Social contract theory posits that people give up some of their freedom in exchange for the protection and security provided by a government, but if the government becomes oppressive they have the right to overthrow it. Signup and view all the answers

Who do you agree with more: Hobbes or Locke? Why?

I agree more with Hobbes because he believes that human nature is inherently selfish, and without a strong ruler to enforce order, chaos will ensue. Signup and view all the answers

What is absolutism, and how is it portrayed in the image of Louis XIV?

Absolutism is a system of government where all power rests with the monarch, who is above the law and cannot be challenged. The image of Louis XIV portrays him as a powerful absolute monarch. The crown, the lack of religious imagery, and the use of French symbols all suggest a concentration of power in his person. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the pros and cons of absolutism?

Pros: Absolutism is generally a more peaceful form of government, but it can make it difficult to address societal issues. Signup and view all the answers

Why did so much silver end up in China, and why was it so important?

China had a large, growing demand for silver in the Ming Dynasty as they switched from paper money to silver currency. Additionally, Spain, having large silver mines in the Americas, traded it with China for goods such as porcelain, silk, and tea. The global silver trade essentially interlinked continents through trade. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Columbian Exchange? How did it impact the world?

The Columbian Exchange refers to the exchange of agricultural goods, ideas, people, and diseases between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia after Columbus landed in 1492. It was a fundamental turning point in world history, and its legacy can still be felt today. Signup and view all the answers

What role did race play in the Transatlantic Slave Trade?

Racism was used to justify the capture and enslavement of millions of Africans. The racial ideology that was constructed during this time created a system of oppression that has left a lasting impact on the world. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Machiavelli's View of Human Nature

Humans are inherently selfish, prioritizing their own interests
People are ungrateful, fickle, and deceitful
Rulers should assume people will act in self-interest and be prepared to use force if necessary

Machiavelli's Goals for a Ruler

Instilling fear in the populace is crucial for national stability
Fear is a more reliable motivator than love, particularly when love is unattainable.

People consent to be governed in order to maintain peace and mutual protection.
Without a governing body, society descends into chaos
Individuals sacrifice some freedoms in exchange for order, protection, and security

Hobbes vs. Locke

Hobbes: a more practical view on human selfishness, believing that without a ruler keeping people in check, chaos would arise.
Humanity in a natural state of constant fear and instability, requiring a strong government

Absolutism

A system of government where one ruler has absolute power
Monarchs are above the law and not subject to the courts
Citizens generally accept this absolute power structure

Enlightened Absolutism

Monarchs who used their absolute power for the benefit of their people, while maintaining a centralized structure
Characterized by religious tolerance, educational reforms, and the introduction of new ideas and institutions
Examples include Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great

Pros and Cons of Absolutism

Pros: Quick and efficient decision-making, reduced internal conflict
Cons: Potential for abuse of power, lack of citizen representation, limited freedom, oppressive measures

Intense Ritualization in Absolutism

People are compelled to conform to rituals and daily schedules centered around the monarch
Daily life revolves around the monarch, signifying the monarch's control over society

The Importance of Silver in China

China had massive demand for silver that drove its massive imports of silver to fulfill domestic demands.
Demand for silver was essential for economic transactions
The Spanish empire had substantial silver mines in the Americas
Silver inflow contributed to inflation and shifted purchasing power

Global Silver Trade Impacts

Spain controlled vast silver mines in America
Silver trade was the driving force of economic exchanges between countries and facilitated the interconnectivity of world economies
Silver trade shifted purchasing power and impacts on ordinary people in Europe due to inflation
Increased reliance on foreign imports led to a decline in domestic production

Columbian Exchange Impacts

The introduction of goods, diseases, and cultures between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia
European power increased and people across the world were enriched economically
Europeans benefited from valuable imports from the Americas such as various agricultural commodities
Devastating effects on indigenous populations due to diseases and exploitation

Transatlantic Slave Trade

The growing demand for labor in the Americas fueled the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Slave trading was justified through ideologies based on racial hierarchy and the subjugation of people.

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Description

Explore the contrasting views of human nature and governance from Machiavelli and social contract theorists like Hobbes and Locke. Understand the implications of fear versus love in rulership and the necessity of a governing body for societal order. This quiz will deepen your understanding of political philosophies and their relevance in contemporary discussions.