HPT midterm 2 flashcards

The Prince

Machiavelli's most famous work, focusing on political realism, power, and strategy as opposed to idealistic virtue.

Virtù

Machiavelli's concept meaning political skill, boldness, cunning, and self-control necessary for leaders.

Fortuna

Machiavelli's term for fortune or luck, which he compares to a woman and a river, indicating its unpredictability.

Realpolitik

A pragmatic, power-based approach to politics that emerged in Machiavelli's writings, emphasizing practical considerations over moral ideals.

Mirror for Princes

A genre of political literature providing advice to rulers, which Machiavelli's 'The Prince' belongs to, though it presents governance differently.

Imitatio

Renaissance thinking emphasizing imitation of ancient models.

Aemulatio

Renaissance thinking aiming to surpass past achievements and create something new; Machiavelli favored this approach.

Political unity

The traditional concept of a cohesive political body; Machiavelli rejected this in favor of acknowledging political conflict and division.

Nobility vs. Common People

Machiavelli argued that the support of the common people is more crucial for a ruler than the approval of the nobility.

Political ethics

Machiavelli's ideas on how rulers should act to secure and maintain power, often justifying immoral means if necessary.

Faith vs. Fear

Machiavelli stated that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved, but he must avoid being hated to prevent rebellion.

Civic participation

Machiavelli's belief in the importance of citizen involvement in governance, particularly in his work 'Discourses on Livy'.

Discourses on Livy

Machiavelli's work exploring republicanism and advocating for citizen participation and mixed government.

Political historian

A term used to describe Machiavelli's approach, focusing on empirical observation of political realities rather than moral philosophies.

The Logic of Violence

Machiavelli's idea that violence, when used strategically and effectively, can secure a ruler's position and maintain order.

The Art of Politics

Machiavelli viewed politics as an art form requiring creativity, boldness, and flexibility in response to changing situations.

The Concept of Mercy

Machiavelli recognized that rulers should appear merciful, but must not be excessively merciful to the point of disorder.

Hobbesian state of nature

Thomas Hobbes's idea that in the absence of government, life is 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short' due to constant conflict.

Social contract

Hobbes's theory where individuals agree to form a government for protection in exchange for some personal freedoms.

Absolute sovereignty

Hobbes's proposal for a strong, centralized authority to maintain order and prevent conflict.

Liberty

According to Hobbes, freedom is defined as the absence of external impediments to action, distinct from moral autonomy.

General will

Rousseau's concept that represents the collective interest of the people, forming the basis of legitimate laws.

Inequality

Rousseau argued that social inequality is not natural but a construct arising from property ownership and societal structures.

Civic religion

Rousseau's idea of a shared moral foundation among citizens to promote unity and commitment to the state.

Direct democracy

Rousseau's ideal system where citizens engage directly in decision-making, as opposed to electing representatives.

Women's rights

Wollstonecraft's focus on equality and opportunities for women, particularly through education, challenging societal norms.

Natural rights

Wollstonecraft believed in the inherent rights of individuals, arguing for women's equality in the pursuit of those rights.