Machiavelli And Morality Essay -- essays research papers

When reading Niccolo Machiavellis The Prince, one cant help but grasp Machiavellis argument that righteousness and politics can not exist in the same forum. However, when examining Machiavellis various concepts in depth, one can conclude that perhaps his suggested violence and abhorrence is fueled by a moral end of sorts. First and foremost, one must have the understanding that this book is aimed solely at the Prince or emperor moth with the express purpose of aiding him in maintaining violence. Therefore, it is essential to grasp his concepts of fortune and virtue. These two contrary concepts reflect the manner in which a Prince should govern while minimizing alone chance and uncertainty. This kind of governing demands violence to be taken, however this is only done for the strict purpose of maintaining his throne, and generating both fear and admiration from his people. In every(prenominal) cases of violence, Machiavelli limits the amount of violence that needs to be taken do wn to the minimum, and most cases the victims of these pretends are enemies of the people. Behind the violence, the prince is essenti anyy taking the role of the villain and assuming whole bad acts so that his people do not have to suffer and commit the acts themselves. In addition, all the Prince asks for is to not threaten his power and to respect it. In the 16th Century, this request is feeble compared to those of other hierarchical Monarchies. In the end, Machiavellis Prince assumes all the burden of violence while leaving his noble people to act as they feel accordingly without worry of their lively hood. This is Machiavellis ultimate stroke of theology.Before examining how the inter treat of violence and politics lead to morality in the end, it is important to analyze exactly what Machiavelli demands of his Prince. First and foremost, Machiavelli harps upon the concept of fortune and virtue. By fortune, he means that everything is left to chance, while nothing will guarante e that a certain event will occur. Machiavelli writes that a Great long standing Prince never rules with fortune. Through risk and chance, one leaves him open to failure thus action should be withheld if an element of chance is involved. Machiavelli ties virtue very closely to that of prudence. He defines virtue as acting exceptionally and draws a distinction between morality and virtue. In many respects Mach... ... because although one could be reveled as a martyr, the possible effects of a new princes statutes far outweigh the benefits of cosmos a martyr. As a martyr people simply become energized and support your cause. However, if a Prince is such martyr, that would mean a new Prince is in power and could instill far worse conditions upon the people. Therefore, with his subjects as the top priority, morality demands that the Prince must stay alive and allow the people to prosper under his free monarchy.Machiavellis Prince is a book in which Machiavelli outlines the actions a P rince must take to hold and maintain power in a principality. Within the context of the book, Machiavelli brings forth the view that prudent violence must be done in order to maintain the throne. In addition, he strongly expresses the ideology that a Prince can not be both moral and political. However, behind this argument lays the foundation of morality. The Princes evil actions although not moral seem to sustain morality for the subjects within his principality. The Prince assumes all immoral behaviors and thus, by sacrifices himself for the people, is indeed moral in the end.