Machiavelli

when was Machiavelli born?

1469

where was he born?

Florence, Italy

what was Italy like during Machiavelli's life?

Italy at that time became the scene of intense political conflict. The city-states of Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples fought for control of Italy, as did the papacy, France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. Each of these powers attempted to pursue a strategy of playing the other powers off of one other, but they also engaged in less honorable practices such as blackmail and violence

what was Machiavelli accused of?

participating in a conspiracy to restore the republic

what was his punishment?

held in jail for three weeks, and tortured on the rack

why did he write the Prince?

Machiavelli desperately wanted to return to politics. One of his goals in writing The Prince was to win the favor of Lorenzo de' Medici, then-governor of Florence and the person to whom the book is dedicated; Machiavelli hoped to land an advisory position within the Florentine government

what was the result of writing the book?

Medici received the book indifferently, and Machiavelli did not receive an invitation to serve as an official. The public's reaction to The Prince was also indifferent at first. But slowly, as word spread, the book began to be criticized as immoral, evil, and wicked.

who is the book dedicated to?

the current ruler of Florence

Does Machiavelli believe in free will? Why or why not?

In The Prince, when Machiavelli argues that people have the ability to shield themselves against misfortune, he expresses an extraordinary confidence in the power of human self-determination and affirms his belief in free will as opposed to divine destiny.

what does it mean to be Machiavellian?

"manipulative," "deceptive," or "ruthless."

what is the Prince composed of?

a practical guide for ruling.

what specific historical event does the Prince link to?

Italy's disunity. Machiavelli sets down his account and explanation of the failure of past Italian rulers and concludes with an impassioned plea to the future rulers of the nation. Machiavelli asserts the belief that only Lorenzo de' Medici, to whom the book is dedicated, can restore Italy's honor and pride.

who is Cesare Borgia?

Cesare Borgia is Machiavelli's primary example of a prince who has great prowess, as displayed by his efforts to secure his state quickly after he was put in power.

what is a composite principality?

A principality that is either newly created or annexed from another power. These principalities can differ in their culture, language, and attitudes in relation to the prince, since he is an unfamiliar ruler. These principalities pose the most difficulties.

what is a hereditary principality?

A principality ruled by a prince whose family has controlled the principality for several generations. Hereditary principalities, according to Machiavelli, are generally easy to rule and maintain.

what are the two different kinds of states according to Machiavelli?

republic or principality

what state is easier to govern and why?

Machiavelli notes that it is easier to govern a hereditary state than a new principality for two main reasons. First, those under the rule of such states are familiar with the prince's family and are therefore accustomed to their rule. The natural prince only has to keep past institutions intact, while adapting these institutions to current events. Second, the natural disposition of subjects in a hereditary state is to love the ruling family, unless the prince commits some horrible act against his people

what is one of the most effective options when the prince is trying to maintain the state?

take up residence in the new state. by living there, the prince can address problems quickly and efficiently

what is Machiavelli's general rule when taking over a state?

men must be either pampered or crushed

what should a prince do who has occupied a foreign country?

dominate the neighboring states. weaken the strong ones and ensure that no other strong foreign power invades a neighboring state

how are political disorders easy to solve?

when the prince identifies them and acts early

can one ever escape war?

no, war can only be postponed to the enemy's advantage

what does Machiavelli say about ministers and nobles?

it is much harder to take over a country if a prince uses ministers. it is easier to conquer a country governed with the cooperation of nobles, because finding a discontented noble eager for change is always possible. BUT it is harder to MAINTAIN a state ruled by nobles than ministers

how do you govern cities that lived under their own laws?

The first is to devastate them. The second is for the conqueror to occupy them. The third is to allow the state to maintain its own laws, but to charge taxes and establish an oligarchy to keep the state friendly

what is the most certain way of securing a state that has been free in the past?

by complete destruction

should a prince set lofty goals?

yes if a prince fails to meet those lofty goals, his actions will nevertheless enhance his reputation as a great or powerful ruler

what does Machiavelli say about conquering a state with one's own prowess?

Relying on one's personal prowess is a very difficult method of acquiring a state. However, a state acquired by a ruler's natural skill will prove easier to maintain control over. Rulers who rely on prowess instead of fortune are generally more successful in holding power over states because they can meet the challenge of establishing a new order

what does Machiavelli say about new principalities acquired with the arms and fortunes of others?

Such princes are weak not only because fortune can be capricious and unstable, but also because they do not know how to maintain their position. They do not have loyal troops who are devoted to them. They do not know how to deal with problems, command troops, or keep their power in the face of opposition

what is a crucial prerequisite for maintaining power?

Laying a solid foundation is a crucial prerequisite for maintaining power. A prince must eliminate rival leaders and win the favor of their followers

what does Machiavelli say about those who become princes by evil means?

They are "treacherous, pitiless, and irreligious." Princes who commit criminal acts can achieve power, but never glory

how should a prince use violence?

when a prince decides to seize a state, he must determine how much injury to inflict. He needs to strike all at once and then refrain from further atrocities. In this way, his subjects will eventually forget the violence and cruelty. (question on quiz i think)

what does Machiavelli say about the civil principality?

The power to form a principality lies with either the nobles or the people. If the nobles realize they cannot dominate the people, they will try to strengthen their position by making one of the nobles a prince. They hope to accomplish their own ends through the prince's authority. The people will follow the same course of action; if they realize they cannot withstand the nobles, they will make one of the people a prince and hope to be protected by the prince's authority.

what problem do nobles who are made prince by other nobles face?

A prince placed in power by nobles will find it more difficult to maintain his position because those who surround him will consider themselves his equals and his selection as prince arbitrary

what is the best way to maintain the mandate of the people?

benevolence - receiving kindness and favors

what must a wise prince do regarding his citizens?

A wise prince must find a way to ensure that his citizens are always dependent on his authority. Thus, they will always remain loyal.

how should the strength of all principalities be measured?

Although a prince should always aim to keep an army of size and strength equaling that of any aggressor, it is just as important to maintain DEFENSES and fortifications. this will keep the loyalty of the people when they are under attack

what are ecclesiastical principalities?

regions under the control of the Catholic Church, Taking control of these principalities is difficult, requiring either unusual good fortune or prowess

what are the two essential components of a strong state?

good laws and good armies. they are both dependent on each other

what are the three types of armies?

a prince's own troops, mercenary troops, and auxiliary troops

what are mercenaries?

"disunited, undisciplined, ambitious, and faithless." Because their only motivation is monetary, they are generally not effective in battle and have low morale

what are auxiliary troops?

armies borrowed from a more powerful state—are as useless as mercenaries. Although they often fight well, a prince who calls on auxiliaries places himself in a no-win situation. If the auxiliaries fail, he is defenseless, whereas if the auxiliaries are successful, he still owes his victory to the power of another. Auxiliary troops are often skilled and organized, yet their first loyalty is to another ruler. Thus, they pose an even more dangerous threat to the prince than mercenaries

when is the use of auxiliary or mercenaries effective?

during prosperous times

what is the only thing a prince should study?

the art of war - this study is both a physical and mental process

what things are men and especially princes praised for or censured?

A prince should not concern himself with living virtuously, but rather with acting so as to achieve the most practical benefit. it is unrealistic to meet every expectation, so a prince should ACT like they have all the good characteristics

what does Machiavelli say about liberality and parsimony?

Liberality, or generosity, is a quality that many men admire. But if a prince develops a reputation for generosity, he will ruin his state. A reputation for generosity requires outward lavishness, which eventually depletes all of the prince's resources.

A parsimonious, or ungenerous, prince may be perceived as miserly in the beginning, but he will eventually earn a reputation for generosity. A prince who is thrifty and frugal will eventually have enough funds to defend against aggression and fund projects without having to tax the people unduly

what does Machiavelli say about cruelty?

it should be measured to maintain order.

is being feared or loved preferable?

ideally, a prince should be loved and feared. but it is better to be feared. the fear of punishment is always effective, regardless of the situation. BUT not to the point that you induce hatred

in what way should princes keep their word?

historical experience demonstrates that princes achieve the most success when they are crafty, cunning, and able to trick others. a prince must break his promises when they put him at a disadvantage and when the reasons for which he made the promises no longer exist. A PRINCE SHOULD BE A MASTER OF DECEPTION

what two beasts must the prince learn to act like?

lions and foxes - he must learn, like the fox, how to frighten off wolves and, like the lion, how to recognize the traps

what does Machiavelli say about avoiding contempt and hatred?

avoid them at all costs.

are fortresses and many other expedients the princes commonly employ useful or not?

The usefulness of fortresses depends on the specific circumstances. But a fortress will not be able to protect a prince if he is hated by his subjects. The issue is not whether a prince should build a fortress. Rather, a prince should not put all his trust in a fortress, neglecting the attitudes of his people

what must a prince do to be esteemed?

Great enterprises and noble examples - Nobility can be achieved by the grand public display of rewards and punishments. pick a side and don't be neutral, reward those who contribute to the prosperity of the state

what does Machiavelli say about the Prince's ministers?

ministers give the first impression of the prince so they should be chosen wisely. It is crucial for a prince to have a confident relationship with his ministers.

how should a prince avoid flatterers?

The best way to defend against such people is to convince them that you are not offended by the truth. A prince should allow only wise advisers to speak with him, and only when he specifically requests their advice. A prince should not listen to anyone else and should be firm in his decisions

why have the princes of italy lost their states?

A number of Italian princes have lost states through their own military faults. They fled when they should have fought, expecting their subjects to call them back. These princes failed because of their own incompetence and not as a result of a string of bad luck. They took too much comfort in prosperous times, never anticipating danger

what does Machiavelli say about Fortune?

fortune controls only half of one's actions, while free will determines the other half. Fortune is like a flooding river: it is only dangerous when men have not built dykes against it beforehand. Italy has not built dykes, and as a result it has experienced tumultuous upheaval

who is Italy's best hope?

Lorenzo de' Medici if he has learned from the great men named in The Prince

how must Lorenzo succeed?

must create a national army. The Italian people are good fighters; only their leaders have failed

what would happen to a prince who succeeded in redeeming Italy?

he would receive unending glory and be embraced in all the provinces with love