POL-109 Machiavelli

Political stability and political greater good is not equal to?

Self-interest. However self-interest may be strategically used to attain and maintain power FOR SERVICE OF THE STATE.

Why does Machiavelli prefer practical approaches over moral approaches?

Practical approaches are stronger and effective than the morally ideal approaches.

The ultimate goal of a Prince and Republic?

To maintain political stability and power.

What is virtu in a Prince?

Virtu in a Prince-  PRACTICAL AND SURVIVAL CHARACTERISTICS - the characteristics necessary (e.g. flexibility, creativity, strength, ruthlessness) for a Prince to “survive” rather than moral characteristics

What is virtu in citizens?

Virtu in Citizens - SACRIFICE, LOYALTY, AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION - Willing to sacrifice for common good and participate in politics.

What is virtu in a Republic?

Virtu in Republics - SHARED POWER AND VIRTU OF CITIZENS - Shared power among people, mixed government (M, A, and D) and virtu of citizens.

What is Fortuna?

Fortuna is luck or chance, which affects a ruler's success. A wise ruler adapts to it.

No Christianity but have a religion, why?

For unity, motivation, and sworn loyalty among citizens

What is a Republic?

A mixed government system with Monarchy, Aristocracy and Democracy in order for there to be balance and checks.

Why should social conflicts happen in a state? (This is a result of giving people power)

 For groups to not gain too much power and law improvement.

Why is it better to be feared than loved?

Being feared maintains control and order, since people will respect your authority more.

What does “The ends justify the means” mean?

Actions, even if ruthless, can be justified if it is for the greater political good and stability of the state.

Monarchy →

Tyranny (single RULER acts on their own interests)

Aristocracy →

Oligarchy (group of people act on their own interests) 

Democracy →

Anarchy (Too much freedom, leading to chaos)

How are Princes and Republics intertwined?

Princes are there to establish laws and institutions for a future Republic.

What should the Prince do once they successfully establish a Republic?

STEP BACK! LET IT GOVERN ITSELF!

Right Kind of Republic - GEOGRAPHICAL

1. Location strong enough to support people but not too much because it prevents people from slacking and being too rich.

2. Defensible against outside attack

Right Kind of Republic - VIRTU IN CITIZENS

1. Sacrifice for common-good, loyalty to the state, and participation in politics.

2. Care about survival and governance of the state.

STRONG REPUBLIC

1. Mixed constitution (M.A.D)

2. Shared rule among people and constitutions

3. Laws must be followed

4. Allow social conflicts for law improvement

Right institutions and laws to preserve virtu in a Republic?

OPEN JUSTICE SYSTEM - Enables citizens to challenge others, but based on legitimate evidence for reduction of conspiracies.

Right kind of Prince?

1. Virtu

2. Fortuna - Adapting to it

3. Better to be feared than loved

4. Don’t do anything out of self-interest but for political good and stability of the state

5. Actions must be justifiable

6. Maintain glory over moral reputation: it’s about being successful and remembered as the greatest ruler. You actions must maintain long-lasting stability and lasting rule.

What should Prince do if they are taking over an existing state?

1. Kill off the entire family of the old Monarchs (kill sons of Brutus)

2. Destroy old institutions and traditions to establish new rule

3. Use force wisely

4. Maintain glory over moral reputation: it’s about being successful and remembered as the greatest ruler. You actions must maintain long-lasting stability and lasting rule.

What does Machiavelli mean by taking ‘practical approaches’?

He means that Princes should take calculated approaches, such as being ruthless when necessary, adaptable, cunning, and prepared to respond to changing circumstances.

Virtu vs Virtue?

Virtu - Skills and traits of a ruler

Virtue - Moral values and beliefs of a ruler

Who is Fortuna?

Machiavelli believes that Fortuna is a woman who favors the bold and will easily bring unlucky events to those who are vulnerable and weak. However, humans can tame or adapt to fortuna based on the way they use their virtu.