The Prince

Flashcards to memorize key concepts and aspects of "The Prince," by Machiavelli.

The acquisition and maintenance of political power

What is the main theme of "The Prince"?

"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."

What is the most famous quote from "The Prince"?

Machiavelli believes that the ends justify the means, and that it is acceptable for a ruler to act immorally if it is necessary to maintain power.

What is Machiavelli's opinion on morality in politics?

Be willing to use force and deception, maintain a strong military, be ruthless with enemies, and surround yourself with loyal advisors.

What are some of the strategies recommended by Machiavelli for gaining and maintaining political power?

Machiavelli argues that it is better for a ruler to be feared than loved, as fear is a more reliable motivator and people are more likely to obey a feared ruler.

What is Machiavelli's opinion on whether it is better for a ruler to be loved or feared?

The term "Machiavellian" is often used to describe individuals who are willing to be deceitful and manipulative in order to achieve their goals, a characteristic often associated with Machiavelli's political philosophy.

What is the significance of the term "Machiavellian"?

Machiavelli believes that fortune plays a significant role in politics, but that a successful ruler must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and use their own skills and cunning to overcome adversity.

What is Machiavelli's view on the role of fortune in politics?

"The Prince" is considered one of the most influential works in the history of political philosophy, as it challenges traditional ideas about morality and government and advocates for a pragmatic approach to politics that prioritizes the acquisition and maintenance of power.

What is the importance of "The Prince" in the history of political philosophy?

True.

True or False: Machiavelli is a republican

Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" during a time of political turmoil in Italy, when various city-states were vying for power and control.

What was the political context in which Machiavelli wrote "The Prince"?

Machiavelli believes that the ruler should be feared and respected, but not necessarily loved by the people. He argues that a ruler must be able to control the people and maintain order, even if this requires the use of force or deception.

How does Machiavelli view the relationship between the ruler and the people?

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Machiavelli argues that appearances can be more important than reality in politics. A ruler should cultivate a strong image and reputation, even if this means being dishonest or manipulative.

What is Machiavelli's view on the importance of appearances in politics?

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The dedication to Lorenzo de' Medici is significant because it suggests that Machiavelli hoped to win the favour of the ruling family and secure a position in the government.

What is the significance of the dedication to Lorenzo de' Medici in "The Prince"?

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The "ideal prince" is a ruler who is virtuous and moral, whereas the "effective prince" is a ruler who is able to gain and maintain power through any means necessary, even if this means acting immorally.

What is the difference between the "ideal prince" and the "effective prince" according to Machiavelli?

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Machiavelli advises rulers to appear religious and to use religion to their advantage, but not to let religion interfere with their political goals.

What is Machiavelli's advice to rulers regarding religious matters?

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Machiavelli believes that luck plays a role in politics, but that a successful ruler must be able to take advantage of good luck and overcome bad luck through their own skills and cunning.

What is the role of luck (“fortune”) in Machiavelli's political philosophy?

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Machiavelli argues that ethics and politics are separate spheres, and that a ruler should not be bound by ethical considerations when making political decisions.

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

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Machiavelli views military power as essential for a ruler, as it allows them to protect their territory and project strength and dominance.

How does Machiavelli view the importance of military power in politics?

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The last chapter of "The Prince" is a call to action for Italian leaders to unite and drive out foreign invaders. It is significant because it shows Machiavelli's patriotism and desire for a unified Italy.

What is the significance of the last chapter of "The Prince"?

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The idea that the present is the (whole) truth

What is presentism?

The idea that politics is an independent sphere of activity with its own norms and ethics.

What is political realism?

Moral excellence.

Define virtue (singular, not plural):

distance

Machiavelli believes that ________ is necessary to properly analyze.

Ideal theory “assumes strict compliance and works out the principles that characterize a well-ordered society under favourable circumstances.”

Non-ideal theory, on the other hand, “is worked out after an ideal conception of justice has been chosen” and addresses what the parties are to do when conditions are not as perfect as they are assumed to be in ideal theory

What is ideal vs non-idea theory?

Necessary conditions: Without which, it cannot be the case

* for example, you must be alive to breathe

Sufficient conditions: If it does obtain, something else must be the case

* IE If you have been disbarred, it is sufficient to not be a lawyer.

What are necessary vs sufficient conditions?

False.

True or False: Machiavelli believes old bloodlines (hereditary principalities) are harder to maintain.

“All states are republics or principalities” - 5

Finish the quote: “All states are……”

“And whoever acquires them, if he wants to hold them, must have two concerns: one, that the bloodline of their ancient prince be eliminated; the other, not to alter either their laws or their taxes: so that in a very short time it becomes one whole body with their ancient principality.” 9

After acquiring a new principality, what are the two concerns a prince must have? (Hint: Think bloodlines and taxes)

Live there, OR send colonies.

What is one remedy to keeping a state with different customs and laws?

1. Ruin them
2. Go live there personally
3. Let them live by their laws and create an oligarchical state which keeps them friendly to you

There are three modes to holding principalities accustomed to living by their own laws. What is one?

revenge

Republics are harder to hold because the have more desire for _______.