The Prince

Landmarks in Critical Thinking Series: Machiavelli's The Prince; Introduction by Merrilee H. Salmon (modified); References: Kahn, Victoria (1994). Machiavellian Rhetoric: From the Counter-Reformation to Milton. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Kain, Philip (1995). Niccolò Machiavelli—Advisor of Princes. Canadian Journal of Philosophy 25,1, pp. 33-55. Machiavelli, Niccolò (1988). The Prince, edited by Quentin Skinner and Russell Price. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Skinner, Quentin (1981).Machiavelli. New York: Hill and Wang.

Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli

An Italian political philosopher born in 1469, known for writing *The Prince* in 1513.

*The Prince*

A political treatise by Machiavelli that discusses the qualities and strategies of effective rulers.

Political Exile

Machiavelli wrote *The Prince* while in exile after the fall of the Florentine republic in 1512.

Medici Family

The ruling family of Florence during Machiavelli's time, which he sought to gain favor with through his writings.

Papal Index

A list of prohibited books by the Catholic Church, which included *The Prince* in 1559 due to its controversial ideas.

Humanist Scholarship

*The Prince* reflects a deep understanding of classical literature and humanist principles, while also critiquing them.

Virtú

Machiavelli's concept of a ruler's ability to adapt and act decisively, which may conflict with traditional moral virtues.

Animal Characteristics

Machiavelli advises rulers to emulate the cunning of a fox and the strength of a lion to navigate political challenges.

Conditional Argumentation

Machiavelli employs Stoic logic and dilemmas to present alternative actions and their consequences.

Historical Examples

Machiavelli supports his arguments with historical references, using inductive reasoning to draw conclusions about human nature.

Critical Thinking

Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of discerning between moral and political actions for effective governance.

Cesare Borgia

A key figure in *The Prince*, exemplifying Machiavelli's ideas on power and statecraft through his ruthless actions.

Art of War

Machiavelli asserts that a prince must prioritize military knowledge and discipline to maintain power.

Generosity

Machiavelli argues that a ruler should be cautious about being overly generous, as it can lead to financial ruin.

Cruelty vs Mercifulness

He suggests that sometimes cruel actions can be more merciful in maintaining order and loyalty among subjects.

Love vs Fear

Machiavelli posits that while it is ideal to be both loved and feared, it is safer for a ruler to be feared if they must choose.

Keeping Promises

Machiavelli advises rulers to be pragmatic about promises, suggesting that they may need to break them for political gain.

Appearance vs Having the Qualities

He emphasizes the importance of a ruler appearing virtuous while being prepared to act immorally when necessary.

Public Perception

Machiavelli notes that the common people judge rulers by their outcomes and appearances rather than their true nature.

Political Expediency

The term "Machiavellian" has come to signify ruthless political tactics that prioritize results over ethics.