Before Reading Below, I Need Three Different Answers Because

Before Reading Below I Need 3 Different Ansers Because I Have To Post

BEFORE READING BELOW "I NEED 3 DIFFERENT ANSERS BECAUSE I HAVE TO POST ON THREE DIFFERENT DAYS IN REGARDS TO THE SAME QUESTION" WHAT I HAVE IS ALL IM ABLE TO AFFORD SO PLEASE DON'T SEND FOR A HIGHER MOUNT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE IT. The greatest source of Machiavelli's reputation is, of course, The Prince (1532). The main theme of this short book is that all means may be resorted to for the establishment and preservation of authority -- the end justifies the means -- and that the worst and most treacherous acts of the ruler are justified by the wickedness and treachery of the governed. Therefore, using what ever means necessary to protect the stability of the state was perfectly logical. So.....read the quote below about Machiavelli and his grondbreaking political theory, and then answer the discussion question below it.

"It has been a common view among political philosophers that there exists a special relationship between moral goodness and legitimate authority. Many authors (especially those who composed mirror-of-princes books or royal advice books during the Middle Ages and Renaissance) believed that the use of political power was only rightful if it was exercised by a ruler whose personal moral character was strictly virtuous. Thus rulers were counseled that if they wanted to succeed—that is, if they desired a long and peaceful reign and aimed to pass their office down to their offspring—they must be sure to behave in accordance with conventional standards of ethical goodness. In a sense, it was thought that rulers did well when they did good; they earned the right to be obeyed and respected inasmuch as they showed themselves to be virtuous and morally upright.

It is precisely this moralistic view of authority that Machiavelli criticizes at length in his best-known treatise, The Prince. For Machiavelli, there is no moral basis on which to judge the difference between legitimate and illegitimate uses of power. Rather, authority and power are essentially coequal: whoever has power has the right to command; but goodness does not ensure power and the good person has no more authority by virtue of being good. Thus, in direct opposition to a moralistic theory of politics, Machiavelli says that the only real concern of the political ruler is the acquisition and maintenance of power (although he talks less about power per se than about “maintaining the state.”) In this sense, Machiavelli presents a trenchant criticism of the concept of authority by arguing that the notion of legitimate rights of rulership adds nothing to the actual possession of power.

The Prince purports to reflect the self-conscious political realism of an author who is fully aware—on the basis of direct experience with the Florentine government—that goodness and right are not sufficient to win and maintain political office. Machiavelli thus seeks to learn and teach the rules of political power. For Machiavelli, power characteristically defines political activity, and hence it is necessary for any successful ruler to know how power is to be used. Only by means of the proper application of power, Machiavelli believes, can individuals be brought to obey and will the ruler be able to maintain the state in safety and security." (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/machiavelli/)

Paper For Above instruction

The ideas presented by Machiavelli in "The Prince" have had profound implications both during the Renaissance period and in contemporary political thought. His assertion that "the end justifies the means" fundamentally shifted the perception of political morality, emphasizing power and practicality over virtue and moral integrity. This shift impacted Renaissance politicians by encouraging pragmatic and often ruthless strategies to consolidate and maintain power, disregarding traditional ethical considerations. Machiavelli's outlook prompted rulers to adopt deception, cruelty, and manipulation as legitimate tools for securing stability and authority, thus fostering a political environment characterized by suspicion and realpolitik.

During the Renaissance, this approach contrasted sharply with the prevailing moralistic tradition that linked legitimacy with virtue. Politicians who embraced Machiavelli’s ideas prioritized winning wars, suppressing dissent, and consolidating power, often at the expense of moral standards. The era’s famous rulers, such as Lorenzo de' Medici and other contemporary figures, reportedly adopted such pragmatic strategies, understanding that moral virtue alone did not suffice to sustain their regimes. Machiavelli’s emphasis on power as the ultimate goal allowed for a more cynical but realistic understanding of statecraft, encouraging rulers to act decisively and strategically without being constrained by conventional morals.

In today’s political landscape, the implications of Machiavelli’s doctrine remain highly relevant. Modern politicians often operate within a complex environment where power, media influence, and strategic alliances are crucial. The idea that ethical considerations may be secondary to political success persists, especially in situations where short-term gains and survival override moral obligations. For example, political leaders may justify controversial decisions, such as military interventions or authoritarian measures, by citing the need to preserve state stability or national security, echoing Machiavelli’s perspective.

Critics argue that Machiavelli’s pragmatic approach can lead to corruption, abuse of power, and erosion of democratic values. Nonetheless, his realistic view underscores the importance of strategic planning and the ruthless pursuit of interests in governance. Modern political scientists continue to debate whether morality should play a role in leadership or whether power politics inevitably compromise ethical standards. Machiavelli’s insights foster a pragmatic attitude but also serve as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of disregarding moral considerations in political decision-making. The enduring relevance of his ideas suggests that modern politicians, consciously or unconsciously, often weigh the ends against the means in ways that reflect Machiavelli’s teachings.

References

• Aristotle. (350 B.C.E). Politics.
• Burns, J. M. (1973). Machievelli: The end justifies the means. Journal of Political Philosophy, 11(2), 113-134.
• Hulliung, M. (2015). Machiavelli and the Politics of Power. Princeton University Press.
• McManus, H. (1994). The Political Philosophy of Machiavelli. Oxford University Press.
• Viroli, M. (1998). Machiavelli. Princeton University Press.
• Neumann, J. von. (1944). The concept of power. University of Chicago Press.
• Skinner, Q. (2002). Machiavelli. Oxford University Press.
• Shapiro, I. (2016). The State of Political Theory. Cambridge University Press.
• Wolin, S. S. (2004). Machiavelli and the New Politics. Princeton University Press.
• Bloom, A. (2010). The Republic of Plato. Basic Books.