Political Action and Morality in Machiavellian Times

The Renaissance era of Europe produced a great multitude of political thinkers. Among this plethora is perhaps the most controversial philosopher of his age, Niccolà ² Machiavelli. The Florentine politician, known most famously for his work, The Prince, discusses, among other things, the relationship between morality and political action. However, unlike the vast majority of his European predecessors, who often argued that political power should be in the hands of the morally virtuous ruler, Machiavelli produces a contrary argument, in which morality plays no role in judging the difference between legitimate and illegitimate uses of power. To this end, he argues that a ruler’s only concerns are the acquisition and maintenance of political power. This reputation, whether wholly deserved or not, results in Machiavelli being seen as Renaissance Italy’s strongest proponent of Realism and the true state of humanity and the world. Of the topics discussed within The Prince, M achiavelli wrote most often about morality, politics, and religion, as well as the relationship between the three. Beginning in Chapter 15, Machiavelli shifts his focus from the various kinds of principalities and the need for military force to the actions which are directly attributed to princes. Unlike previous philosophers, who speak of establishing republics based on morality and virtue, Machiavelli chooses to discuss the role of the sovereign in accordance with the realities of the world, rather than paintShow MoreRelatedThe Political Philosophy Of Niccolo Machiavelli And Socrates1444 Words   |  6 PagesAmong the most well-known and notorious philosophers, Niccolo Machiavelli and Socrates laid the groundwork for western political philosophy and modern day politics. 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