MACHIAVELLI

Question 1

What is Machiavelli’s notion of morality?

Answer 1

1. Highest value is the safekeeping of the state
2. Any act is justified to achieve this
3. Therefore, Good rule = effective rule NOT morally good rule

Question 2

How does Machiavelli separate public and private morality?

Answer 2

1. Christian morality has no place in public life since political community does not adhere to its values.
2. Does not denounce Christian/conventional morality in private affairs.
3. Must bypass moral norms out of necessity but moral norms okay.

Question 3

What must a ruler possess such that he has the value of ‘virtu’?

Answer 3

1. ‘Flexible disposition’ to adapt to changing circumstances and times
2. Do evil if necessary
3. Desire to exercise power
4. Treat ‘fortuna’ opportunistically
5. Understand vices and virtues

Question 4

What is ‘fortuna’?

Answer 4

The sum of powers that lie beyond ones control

Question 5

What is Machiavelli’s view of character and human nature, and what is its implications?

Answer 5

Character = variable, culturally determined yet fairly constant
Human nature = fixed

Since character is constant, flexible disposition might not be possible in practice to the extent that M. advocates. Psychological limit? Single-man rule unstable?