machiavelli

Question 1

Who was Niccolò Machiavelli, and what was his historical context?

Answer 1

Machiavelli was a Florentine bureaucrat and writer born into a noble family during the Renaissance. He served Florence until the Medici retook power in 1512.

Question 2

What isThe Prince, and why did Machiavelli write it?

Answer 2

The Princeis Machiavelli’s guide on obtaining and maintaining power, possibly written to gain favor with the Medici family.

Question 3

How doesThe Princerelate to the “Mirrors for Princes” tradition?

Answer 3

It diverges by focusing on how people actually behave, rather than how they ought to behave.

Question 4

What is Machiavelli’s definition of power?

Answer 4

Power is the ability to influence others, encompassing political office, violence, wealth, reputation, and appearance.

Question 5

How does Machiavelli view human nature?

Answer 5

He views humans as ungrateful, fickle, deceptive, and naturally bad, requiring restraint through laws or other means.

Question 6

What are “armed prophets,” and why are they important?

Answer 6

Armed prophets are leaders who combine persuasion with force to maintain belief and authority.

Question 7

Why must a prince always focus on war and military strategies?

Answer 7

A prince must prioritize military preparation, using citizen militias, and practice regularly to maintain strength and readiness.

Question 8

What steps does Machiavelli outline for a new ruler to consolidate power?

Answer 8

Remove supporters of the previous ruler, establish colonies, restructure administration, and destroy all opposition.

Question 9

Why does Machiavelli advocate for colonization over garrisoning troops?

Answer 9

Colonization is cheaper, causes less unrest, and affects only a small, less-threatening portion of the population.

Question 10

What is instrumental rationality in Machiavelli’s framework?

Answer 10

The principle that the means must be effective in achieving the desired ends, implying that the ends justify the means.

Question 11

What is Machiavelli’s “new morality”?

Answer 11

A ruler must act immorally when necessary to secure power and the state’s stability, as conventional morality can undermine effective rule.

Question 12

What is the significance of the “fox and lion” metaphor in leadership?

Answer 12

A leader must be cunning like a fox to avoid traps and strong like a lion to ward off threats.

Question 13

Is it better for a ruler to be feared or loved, according to Machiavelli?

Answer 13

It is better to be feared than loved, but a ruler must avoid hatred by using violence sparingly and not taking property or women from subjects.

Question 14

How should a prince balance cruelty and clemency?

Answer 14

A prince should inspire fear without hatred, using justified cruelty sparingly to maintain control and stability.

Question 15

What isvirtù, and why is it essential for a ruler?

Answer 15

Virtùis the combination of reason, courage, intelligence, and energy, enabling a ruler to act decisively and achieve political and military success.

Question 16

How does Machiavelli describefortuna?

Answer 16

Fortunais an unpredictable force like a raging river but can be partially controlled throughvirtùand bold action.

Question 17

Why does Machiavelli comparefortunato a woman?

Answer 17

He suggests fortuna favors bold, aggressive individuals who “treat her roughly.”

Question 18

What is the role of Cesare Borgia inThe Prince?

Answer 18

Borgia is an example of a leader who used tactical cruelty to restore order but failed due to external betrayal, illustrating the complexities of power.

Question 19

What is tactical cruelty, and how should it be used?

Answer 19

Tactical cruelty is targeted violence used to achieve political goals while minimizing overall harm and avoiding hatred.

Question 20

What questions does Machiavelli raise about political success?

Answer 20

He questions whether success is worth the moral cost of brutality and dishonesty.

Question 21

How does Machiavelli view liberty in hisDiscourses on Livy?

Answer 21

Liberty is essential for the greatness of a city/state, fostering power and riches while tyranny leads to decline.

Question 22

What type of government does Machiavelli advocate for in his republicanism?

Answer 22

A mixed constitution combining monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, with a focus on thevirtùof citizens.

Question 23

What factors contribute to a successful republic according to Machiavelli?

Answer 23

Leadership, laws, education, religion (not Catholicism), and a focus on the common interest are key to a successful republic.

Question 24

What is the assignment task related toThe Prince?

Answer 24

Students must write a letter advising Donald Trump using concepts fromThe Princeand reflect on their advice using Christine de Pizan’s ideas.

Question 25

How do virtù and fortuna interact in Machiavelli’s framework?

Answer 25

Virtù enables a ruler to control and directfortuna, turning unpredictable circumstances to their advantage.

Question 26

How does Machiavelli distinguish between feared and hated rulers?

Answer 26

A ruler must inspire fear without hatred by avoiding unnecessary cruelty and respecting citizens’ property and families.