Lesson 157: Machiavelli

The Prince

Most lasting literary work of the Italian Renaissance, published in 1513.

Contrast with Medieval works

Focuses on pragmatic and often immoral political strategies compared to the moralistic approach of Medieval political literature.

Machiavelli's view on ruling

Emphasizes that a prince must be prepared to act immorally when necessary to maintain power.

Raison d’état

The principle that the state's needs can justify immoral actions.

Glorious crimes

Actions deemed honorable if they benefit the state or country.

Independence from morality

Machiavelli argues statecraft must be free from moral considerations to succeed.

Christianity's suitability to republics

Machiavelli suggests Christianity's values of gentleness and peace do not support a strong republic.

Roman ethic

Machiavelli's preferred moral framework focusing on state safety as the primary principle.

Description of reality

Machiavelli's approach is to describe political life as it is, not as it ought to be.

Acting treacherously

Princes may need to act ruthlessly and inhumanely to maintain their power.