Machiavelli Final

What is Machiavelli's concept of virtù?

Ability, capability, and strength in the Roman sense; political skill and prowess rather than moral virtue

How does Machiavellian virtù differ from traditional Christian virtue?

It emphasizes practical skills and flexibility, focusing on maintaining power rather than moral goodness

What was Erasmus's approach to political thought?

Erasmian Humanism emphasized virtue, liberty of conscience, and free will, integrating classical ethics with Christian values

How did Thomas More's "Utopia" differ from Machiavelli's ideas?

It presented an idealized society based on collective virtue, reflecting Christian Humanism, in contrast to Machiavelli's focus on practical power politics

What is Machiavelli's concept of Fortuna?

Unpredictable forces that influence human affairs and shape political outcomes

How does Machiavelli describe Fortune as a river?

A metaphor teaching princes to be proactive, think ahead, and prepare for unpredictable events

What does the "Fortune as a river" metaphor suggest princes should do?

Build "dykes and embankments" to control Fortune's flow, emphasizing preparation and foresight

How does Machiavelli portray Fortune as a lady?

As fickle and requiring a strong hand, favoring the "impetuous" over the cautious

What controversial suggestion does Machiavelli make about Fortune as a lady?

That it needs to be "beaten and coerced," implying the need for forceful action

According to Machiavelli, what is the balance between Fortune and Free Will?

Fortune controls 50% of human actions, while the other 50% is determined by human agency

Why does Machiavelli argue it's better for a prince to be feared than loved?

Fear is more reliable and controllable than love, which is fickle and can quickly turn to hate

What caveat does Machiavelli add to the "feared rather than loved" principle?

A prince must avoid being hated, as it leads to instability

Who is Cesare Borgia in Machiavelli's works?

A model of effective leadership used as an example in "The Prince"

What strategy did Cesare Borgia use that Machiavelli admired?

He employed a cruel minister to establish control, then disposed of him spectacularly to distance himself from the cruelty

How did Machiavelli suggest leaders should view Borgia's strategy?

It should be studied and admired rather than directly imitated

What is scapegoating in Machiavellian context?

Finding someone to take blame for failures or unpopular actions to maintain one's position and status

What does "stato" mean in Machiavelli's works?

Both the state as a political entity and the status or condition of the prince's power

What is the significance of "The Mandrake" in Machiavelli's works?

It serves as an allegory for his political ideas, with characters representing political figures and concepts

How does Machiavelli's approach differ from previous political thought?

It focuses on practical realities of power rather than ideal forms of government

What are the two main works of Machiavelli discussed?

“The Prince" and "Discourses on Livy"

What is the main focus of "The Prince"?

It presents a pragmatic approach to political rule in principalities

What is the central theme of "Discourses on Livy"?

It examines republican governance through an analysis of ancient Rome

What is Machiavelli's view on the relationship between ends and means?

He argues that a ruler must be willing to act immorally if it serves the state's interests

What does Machiavelli say about appearance vs. reality for a prince?

A prince should appear virtuous but be willing to act against virtue when necessary

What is Machiavelli's view on mixed constitution in the "Discourses"?

He advocates for a balanced government combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy

How does Machiavelli view civic participation in the "Discourses"?

He emphasizes the importance of citizens' involvement in governance

What is Machiavelli's controversial argument about Christianity in the "Discourses"?

He argues that Christianity has weakened modern states compared to ancient pagan ones

How did the Italian political landscape influence Machiavelli's ideas?

City-state rivalries, foreign invasions, and papal politics shaped his views on statecraft and leadership

What is Machiavelli's contribution to the concept of Raison d'État?

The idea that state interests can justify actions that would be unethical for individuals

How did Machiavelli contribute to the secularization of politics?

By separating politics from Christian morality, which was revolutionary for his time

What is Machiavelli's concept of virtù in "The Prince"?

A combination of skill, strength, and cunning that a ruler must possess, including self-reliance, self-assertion, self-discipline, and self-knowledge

How does Machiavelli view the relationship between virtù and Fortuna?

Virtù allows a skilled leader to navigate and sometimes overcome Fortuna's unpredictable influence

What is the main argument in Erasmus' "In Praise of Folly"?

It uses satire to critique society, arguing that what is considered foolish may be wise, and vice versa

How does Erasmus view the relationship between folly and happiness?

He argues that folly is essential for human happiness, as ignorance and self-deception help people bear life's hardships

What is the central theme of Machiavelli's "Discourses on Livy"?

An examination of republican governance through analysis of ancient Rome, advocating for a balanced government

How does Machiavelli's approach in "Discourses" differ from "The Prince"?

"Discourses" focuses on republican systems, while "The Prince" addresses principalities and individual leadership

What is Christian Humanism?

An intellectual movement combining classical learning with Christian faith, emphasizing individual conscience and rational inquiry

Who were key figures in Christian Humanism?

Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More

How did the Medici family influence Renaissance Florence?

They ruled Florence, patronized arts and sciences, commissioned major projects, and established Florence as a cultural center

What is Machiavelli's view on the relationship between politics and morality?

He argues that a ruler must be willing to act immorally if it serves the state's interests

How does Machiavelli's concept of republican virtue differ from traditional virtue?

It focuses on the ability to channel conflict into productive political outcomes rather than moral righteousness

What is Machiavelli's critique of Christianity in "Discourses"?

He controversially argues that Christianity has weakened modern states compared to ancient pagan ones

How did the Italian political landscape influence Machiavelli's ideas?

City-state rivalries, foreign invasions, and papal politics shaped his views on statecraft and leadership

What is the concept of Raison d'État in Machiavellian thought?

The idea that state interests can justify actions that would be unethical for individuals

How did Machiavelli contribute to the secularization of politics?

By separating politics from Christian morality, which was revolutionary for his time