Of the many disparities between Plato and Machiavelli‚ the distinction of virtue versus virtu sticks out like a sore thumb. Virtue was the political bases for Plato: All men should behave virtuously at all times. Whereas Machiavelli believed virtu was the basis for political prowess. What was best for the state as a whole was the main concern‚ and the ends always justified the means. Plato’s object was the creation of a utopian society--a civilization that abhorred war and centered itself upon
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distinctive views regarding human nature. Once this is assessed the picture that each man paints of their ideal ruler or founder becomes much clearer. Plato promotes the concept of philosopher-kings who rule over his imagined Utopian society‚ while Machiavelli endorses a ruthless and at times amoral prince whose primary objective is the preservation of the state. Plato’s view of human nature can be seen when considering his view of the soul‚ which‚ according to him‚ is comprised of three distinct
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In "The Qualities of the Prince‚" Niccolo Machiavelli describes how he believes a prince should rule. He had "studied the way people lived and aimed to inform leaders" of his research (par.10). He viewed "misery as one of the vices that enables a prince to rule‚" using techniques like deceiving and manipulating in order to accomplish a certain task (par.12). Machiavelli focuses on qualities such as Military skills‚ generosity and miserly and whether a prince should be loved or feared in order to
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that justice was best defined as that which is done to benefit the stronger‚ meaning that in a democracy democratic laws are just and in tyranny‚ tyrannical laws are just‚ and this applies to all other forms of government. Both Thrasymachus and Machiavelli have overlapping points in them views of justice and virtu. In Thrasymachus’s definition of justice and Machiavelli’s definition of virtu some of the concepts that overlap are the willingness to do whatever necessary for the good
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Machiavelli and Rousseau‚ both significant philosophers‚ had distinctive views on human nature and the relationship between the government and the governed. Their ideas were radical at the time and remain influential in government today. Their views on human nature and government had some common points and some ideas that differed. Machiavelli’s views were drastically different from other humanists at his time. He strongly promoted a secular society and felt morality was not necessary but stood
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important for becoming an effective leader. Machiavelli discourages the idea of selfless virtue by supporting the notion that the ends justify the means. Brutus‚ a character from Shakespeare’s‚ Julius Caesar‚ acts virtuously in defeating Caesar‚ as it was preformed in the hopes of benefiting the state. The quality of virtue contained in a ruler is a focus that both Machiavelli and Shakespeare acknowledge
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from person to person. This holds true to the ideas of Machiavelli and Castiglione. The Prince‚ written by Machiavelli‚ and The Courtier‚ written by Castiglione‚ are both somewhat how-to guides for nobility‚ royalty‚ and princes. However‚ there are many distinct differences among the ideas of Castiglione and Machiavelli. Castiglione’s philosophy leads down the path of a well-rounded person; a more peaceful manner. Machiavelli’s philosophy is more straightforward and violent‚ where you should do anything
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In the Prince Machiavelli describes how a leader should act in order maintain a kingdom or power (CITATION). Machiavelli indicates that it is more beneficial for a ruler or leader not to be generous or merciful‚ and how one should break promises if it goes against one’s own interests (MACHIAVELLI). Essentially‚ Machiavelli indicates that a leader should be self centered in order to maintain a leading role (CIATION).
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Sir Thomas More- UTOPIA Sir Thomas More‚ son of Sir John More‚ a justice of King’s Bench‚ after his earlier education at St. Anthony’s‚ he was placed‚ as a boy‚ in the household of Cardinal John Morton‚ Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor. It was not usual for persons of wealth or influence and sons of good families to be so established together in a relation of patron and client. The youth wore his patron’s livery‚ and added to his state. The patron used‚ afterwards‚ his wealth or
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In one of the masterpiece book about politics The Prince‚ Machiavelli defined the notion of politics as war and politics form an organic whole while war is a political instrument‚ politics itself is warlike activity. In this perspective‚ violence seen as an inevitable factor in politics. focus the unity of ends and means. This argument claims that the means creates the kind of end that ultimately is achieved; violence and unjust action as means will simply reinforce those kinds of behavior in whatever
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