Machiavelli - realist political science

Question 1

Fortune

Answer 1

• Rejects the idea that fortune is absolute for determining our actions, its more human nature that drives our actions (human agency = ability to make our own choices)
• Rejects Plato = the world is not perfect, let’s be realist.

Question 2

Virtue (EXAM QUESTION) definition + importance

Answer 2

Definition: practical political skill that a prince must have
- All about power and discipline (unlike others like Plato who viewed virtue as justice).
- A prince should be able to adapt to circumstances
- Prince must be strong and feared (avoid enemies).

Question 3

Leadership - Governance (how a prince should operate)

Answer 3

Be feared, not hated.
Justify punishments.
Never take property.
Strong but not oppressive.

Keep taxes low.
Encourage trade & work.
Distract people with festivals.

3. Control the Elites (Grandi)
   Nobles are the real threat, not the people.
   Keep citizens safe & loyal.
   Machiavelli vs. Plato:
   Plato → Ideal rulers = philosophers.
   Machiavelli → Rulers must control people.
4. Promote Stability & Hard Work
   Encourage virtue & discipline.
   Balance fairness & control.
   Allow small conflicts—but not too much.

Question 4

Tyranny (things that prevent a prince from becoming a Tyrant)

Answer 4

1. Prudence: he should be cruel but not hated.
2. Morals: denies that crime = true virtue, but even when a prince succeeds, immoral actions will be seen as honourable.
3. If a prince wins a principality with crime, he will lack glory.

Question 5

Creative Turbulence (definition + characteristics)

Answer 5

Def: productive conflict, instead of viewing clashes as turbulence, Machiavelli sees them as a way to innovate and grow.
- Rejects harmony as political idea: conflict can be good !
- Happened in Rome and it was able to grow.
- BUT people should be able to manage disorder (that’s how Rome survived).

Question 6

Machiavellian theoretical knowledge

Answer 6

Having perspectives from both the ruler and the ruled is necessary to understand politics.

Question 7

New ways of ruling: imitation and drilling

Answer 7

• A good leaders rules best if he looks at what past leaders did and copy what worked for them.
• A prudent men should always be ready for war (a smart leader practices and plans battles).

Question 8

Last but not least

Answer 8

He is not advocating immorality, but rather a realistic + strategic approach to power. His consequentialist thinking means that actions are judged by their success, not by moral standards.

Question 9

Types of principalities and how to maintain them?

Answer 9

1. Hereditary Principalities → Easier to rule because people are used to the ruling family.
2. New Principalities → Harder to rule; require virtù and fortune.
3. Acquired States → If people share the same culture/language, rule is easier. Otherwise, the prince must use force, eliminate opposition, and prevent foreign influence.
4. Civil Principalities→ A prince gains power through popular support—ruling through the people is more stable.
5. Mercenary Armies → Unreliable and dangerous; rulers should build their own military forces.