Machiavelli’s “The Prince”
Ξ August 24th, 2009 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Old School Papers |
Written around October 2001
In “The Prince,” Niccolo Machiavelli’s view of governing a state was drastically different from that of his contemporaries, the humanists, of the late 1500s. In it, Machiavelli explained how a “Prince” or ruler should be the sole authority in determining the policies of the state. These polices, he instructed, must be designed to the benefit of the ruler, but only though benefiting the state. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt morality was not necessary but in fact often stood in the way of an effectively governed principality. Though in come cases Machiavelli’s suggestions seem harsh and immoral, one must remember that these views were derived from concern for then Italy’s unstable political condition. (more…)