Class Notes 4 You

Machiavelli has given his theory of statecraft in his book The Prince which is known as the best book written on the subject of statecraft. Statecraft means the art of management of power. Machiavelli's book is influenced by the life of Caesar Borgia who is the hero of Machiavelli's book The Prince.  His book is addressed to Lorenzo II. "The Prince establishes the tradition of political realism.  According to Machiavelli, in order to make successful policies, it is Necessary that such policies should be based" Man is depicted as materialist He is concerned with improvement of his present life. He was the first person to suggest a real understanding of human nature. One who is concerned with ought ‘What ought to be and neglects what is', 'what ought to be is bound to fail. Machiavelli establishes a definite link between individual psychology and the nature of political institutions. Thus, Machiavelli should also be treated as Forerunner of the school of behav...

Machiavelli is given the noun of the first modern thoughts because his thoughts are based on practical method and not on medieval method. Machiavelli in his great work Prince said that the ruler means the prince should be free from fear. He should have the courage of a lion and the agility of a fox. When the qualities of both a lion and a fox are present in a prince, then only he can rule. Just as the lion is determined to protect itself from other animals, but it does not have the skills to cut the net. Similarly, the fox is skilled in cutting nets but cannot protect itself from the wolf. According to Machiavelli, the ruler should have fox-like qualities to protect from factions and lionlike qualities in times of revolution, war, violence. According to Sabine, her views were more influenced by her times and situation. Because the fragmentation of Italy is one of the important events of his period. Dunning has also termed Machiavelli as his infant, which was the result of his circumsta...

Machiavelli Intro: was an Italian Renaissance diplomat, philosopher and writer, best known for The Prince, considered as best book ever on statecraft. Context- Rise of nation states in Europe Italy was divided into 5 feudal kingdoms. So mach wanted consolidation of Italy into a strong nation state to deter any invasion. Italy was the seat of Roman church. heavy corruption in church that was percolating down to the common man. When he was diplomat in the court of France, he was referred to as Mr. NIhilio. Mr. zero. Which means that he came from a place that has no respect among the countries of Europe Ideas: Prince should know art of management of power. He should be an enterprising person, i.e. a political entrepreneur. Takes power view of politics. Realpolitik. National interest is supreme. Nothing should come in its way, not even person’s religion or his ethics True child of Renaissance because he separated church and state ( Hobbes put the church below the state) His prince is not h...