Machiavelli Flashcards
In what way did Machiavelli intend to upturn university education?
He wanted the respectable and noble disciplines to be medicine and science instead of philosophy and rhetoric
What are the fundamental differences between classical, medieval and modern philosophy?
Classical and medieval philosophy focus on knowledge of the good and knowledge of the whole.
Modern philosophy focuses more on HOW things work
How does Machiavelli suggest we move past political rhetoric and truly examine politics?
Political science - Studying the differences between people’s interpretations of the same doctrine. Includes differences between countries, political parties, and even people within the political parties.
We also must examine the material fact - not which party is in power, but who has EFFECTIVE POWER (Often this is corporations)
What Machiavelli says, do people truly want?
Freedom of the will: the freedom to willfully choose between the options given to them
How does Machiavelli think we can attain freedom of the will?
We must manipulate nature in order to have more freedom and comfort. Increase medical research, manipulate rivers for our benefit, chop down trees that are in our way, etc.
How does Machiavelli suggest we maintain a stable government (with the Great and the Many both satisfied)?
He suggested the political rulers fluctuate between letting the Great control the many (the great being, say, corporations) and giving the Many the ability to not be commanded.
The Great will reward the rulers with money, and the many will reward them by reelecting them. In order to stay in power, a politician must keep both parties happy.
What does Machiavelli think is the best way to keep peace?
Spend all peaceful times preparing for the next war. It then becomes an ongoing arms race where every major country is scared to make the others mad
What does Machiavelli say the goal of education should be?
Preparing students for their future political life. Showing them how to acquire power and resources. Most people get an education for a good job, not to learn.
