Wednesday, April 23, 2008
For the speakers, divide up the questions according to the numbering. For homework, I’d like the rest of the class to write something about both questions.
- Machiavelli is often described as lacking in morality, as evidenced by the passages given here from the Prince. What do you think his true purpose is in giving this kind of advice? Do you think the advise is legitimate under some circumstances?
- Chapter XV: "Hence it is necessary for a prince who wishes to maintain his position to learn how not to be good, and to use this knowledge or not to use it according to necessity" (127).
- Chapter XVII: "I conclude, therefore, returning to the problem of being feared and loved, that since men love at their own pleasure and fear at the pleasure of the prince, a wise prince should build his foundation upon that which belongs to him, not upon that which belongs to others" (133).
- Chapter XVIII: "And it is essential to understand this: that a prince, and especially a new prince, cannot observe all those things by which men are considered good, for in order to maintain the state he is often obliged to act against his promise, against charity, against humanity, and against religion" (135).
- Take a look at the sections of the Discourses you'll have read so far in comparison to the Prince. Do you think Machiavelli's perspective is significantly different in the Discourses? Looking at both works, how would you describe Machiavelli's view of human nature? Find specific passages. Do you agree or disagree?
Laurel Carrington carringt@stolaf.edu
Most recent update: January 24, 2008
Disclaimer