Test 2a: Machiavelli’s The Prince

Who is the dedicatory letter of The Prince addressed to?

Lorenzo de Medici, a powerful Renaissance political leader.

What does the title 'Prince' refer to in Machiavelli's The Prince?

Any political ruler, not limited to a member of the royal family.

What is Machiavelli's main offer to Lorenzo de Medici?

Knowledge of political life, particularly political excellence and statesmanship.

What are the two types of political societies described by Machiavelli?

Republics and Principalities.

What distinguishes hereditary principalities from new principalities?

Hereditary principalities are old and stable due to tradition, whereas new principalities are subject to instability.

According to Machiavelli, how should a prince maintain stability in hereditary principalities?

By adhering to tradition and avoiding offense.

What is the analogy used by Machiavelli to explain political knowledge?

The landscape sketch artist analogy, emphasizing the need to see both rulers' and the ruled's perspectives.

What are the two sources of Machiavelli's political knowledge?

His experience with modern affairs and his continuous reading of the ancients.

How does Machiavelli classify states that are newly acquired?

As mixed principalities or altogether new principalities.

What is the significance of the term 'virtu' in Machiavelli’s political thought?

It refers to qualities that give a ruler success, including strength and effectiveness, distinct from moral virtue.

What essential qualities does a prince need according to Machiavelli?

To be ordinary, avoiding extremes of behavior and maintaining the people's respect.

Why is it better for a prince to be feared than loved according to Machiavelli?

Because love is dependent on the people's affection, which can change, while fear is more controlled.

What does Machiavelli suggest about the relationship between morality and politics?

That being morally good at all times in politics is impossible; a ruler must sometimes act immorally for the sake of the state.

What lesson does Machiavelli derive from Cesare Borgia's political experience?

That a balance between moral and political virtue is crucial; confusion between the two can lead to failure.

What does Machiavelli define as a 'civil principality'?

A type of principality that comes into power through the election of the people.

What does Machiavelli mean by 'populism'?

The election of rulers by the people to protect them from the elite's influence.

How does Machiavelli view the role of fortune in political success?

Fortune can aid in conquest but is less reliable than virtue which signifies effective leadership.

What political analogy does Machiavelli use to compare a prince to a doctor?

A prince, like a doctor, must diagnose political problems early and apply appropriate remedies.

What is the 'never-failing rule' in relation to learning and governance?

If a prince cannot learn and lacks a teacher, he cannot govern well.

How does Machiavelli differentiate between hatred and contempt in relation to a prince?

Hatred arises from oppression; contempt arises from perceived weakness and dependence.

What does Machiavelli mean by 'the wisdom of Chiron'?

A principle indicating the necessity of being both human and beastly, showing strength and cunning as required.

According to Machiavelli, what is the best approach for a prince regarding liberality versus parsimony?

A prince should be considered parsimonious rather than liberal, as excessive liberality leads to poverty and contempt, while parsimony allows for stability without burdening subjects.

What are key actions a prince can take to avoid being hated or despised by his subjects?

Avoid seizing property and women from his subjects, provide security, and engage in great enterprises that showcase his strength and decisiveness.

What is Machiavelli's advice regarding a new prince arming or disarming his subjects?

A new prince should arm his subjects because by arming them, he wins their loyalty and creates his own army, while disarming them shows distrust and makes him vulnerable.

How can a prince acquire significant esteem from his subjects and foreign powers?

By undertaking grand projects, giving rare examples of his abilities, rewarding or punishing in an extraordinary manner, and appearing decisive in his policies.

What quality does Machiavelli identify as essential in a prince's choice of ministers or secretaries?

A good minister always thinks more of the prince's interests than his own, seeking the prince's profit, not his personal gain. A prince can discern this by observing if the minister prioritizes the prince's good in his actions and counsel.