Niccollo Machiavelli the most influential theorist of political philosophy - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 10 Words: 2850 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2019/10/30 Category People Essay Level High school Tags: Niccolo Machiavelli Essay Did you like this example? Niccollo Machiavelli was one of the most influential theorists of political philosophy. He was known as an Italian diplomat, philosopher, historian, and politician of the Renaissance period (Rubio, 2016). However, his notoriety stems from being known as the father of modern political theory, and his theory inspired the term Machiavellian (Rubio, 2016). Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Niccollo Machiavelli the most influential theorist of political philosophy" essay for you Create order The world in which Niccollo Machiavelli lived, surprisingly enough, resembles modern-day society to some extent. Even though city states have been replaced with nation states, empires have permanently collapsed, and modern warfare is now unimaginably waged with weapons and tactics, there are still similarities that remain the same (Stratford, 2015). Although Machiavelli died hundreds of years ago, he would likely be able to expertly navigate the political sphere of today, as if it was his own, seeing as how the principles that prevail remain the same (Stratford, 2015). Even though some of his teachings justified and inspired tactics involving dishonesty, immorality, and murder, there are still many positive takeaways from his teachings that have impacted modern-day society. As a result, his theories have become a guide for contemporary policymakers of all types across the world. Machiavelli was born on May 3, 1469 in Florence, Tuscany during the Renaissance movement (Borghini, 2017). He was the son of a lawyer from a rather distinguished family, and he spent hours educating himself in his fathers library (Borghini, 2017). As a result, there is reason to believe that he was exceptionally educated. In 1498, he accepted a political career covering two governmental roles in Florence, Italy (Borghini, 2017). He was assigned with diplomatic missions to local European courts which required a sophisticated understanding of politics along with great diplomacy (Borghini, 2017). In 1509, he was responsible for establishing the Florentine militia and leading the troops to recapture the town of Pisa (Borghini, 2017). Machiavelli was indeed a Renaissance man successful in most endeavors, leaving a lasting mark on history as a writer of short stories, histories, and plays. In 1513, in he was imprisoned, tortured, and exiled. He later retired to his country house, where he began writing his famous works including a classic masterpiece that is still read today, The Prince (1513) (Borghini, 2017). According to Machiavelli, in order for an individual to maintain ones state and achieve great things, one must be powerful, bold, flexible, resolute, and be prepared to break promises against charity, truth, religion, and humanity (Machiavelli, 1810). One must have the cunning of a fox and the strength of a lion (Machiavelli, 1810). This also means that in order to be successful, one must be willing to act deviously, ruthlessly, violently, and cruelly when deemed necessary. In todays politics, actions are judged by their success, which means one will be praised regardless of their wrong so long as the end justifies the means (Ratner, 2018). This message seems cold and calculating; however, it is one that many politicians live by. Machiavelli believed that rulers and citizens should not shrink from setting aside every scruple if the survival of the republic is at stake (Ramsay, 2017). In other words, political success excuses any unjust, cruel, or disgraceful deed, regardless of how h arsh the consequences may be. Admittedly, this is a cold way of dealing with society, and even though it does in some places exist to this extent today, this generally leads citizens to strike back. Even though the mere utterance of Machiavellis name has become synonymous with treachery and deceit, one of his main concerns was security of the state as well as the welfare of its people (Demack, 2012). When taken in correct context, his theory of leadership has some common sense to it. In Chapter 21, for example, he explains what leaders must do in order to be esteemed (Demack, 2012). Roughly transposed to todays way of thinking one could say that presidents who attend the Olympics and CEOS acting as philanthropists are actually following his counsel. Machiavelli admired Borgia but in his book depicted his weaknesses using brutal honesty (Demack, 2012). He identified the unpleasant truths of human nature in a straightforward manner. (Demack, 2012). The most successful politicians of today seem to be the ones who have an edge to them, the ability to get step outside the normal parameters of niceties. Jimmy Carter was a good example of one who totally lacked this sort of ability. Donald Trump is quite the opposite in his tactics, speaking and acting brutally at times. President Carter was an ineffectual president in some ways due to his clutching so closely his values. We have yet to see what the outcome will be for President Trump. Thomas Cromwell, the mastermind behind the English reformation, was said to have specifically admired Machiavelli and Roman Emperor Charles V and Henry VII were both found owning copies of The Prince. (Stratford, 2015). His works ended up inspiring Henry VII to defy the Pope and seizing religious authority (History Channel: Machiavelli, 2018). Machiavelli was also cited as the murderous Machiavel according to Shakespeare (History Channel: Machiavelli, 2018). Philosopher Edmund Burkes believed the French Revolution bore evidence of the odious maxims of a Machiavellian policy (History Channel: Machiavelli, 2018). Later, during the 20th century, his works were blamed him for the rise of Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin because a book was kept by their bedside, and they were known to have read the book before (History Channel: Machiavelli). Business leaders also use Machiavellis theories in their aspirations of getting. Others go as far as to call it the Mafia Bible for gangsters like John Gotti (History Channel: Machiavelli, 2018). There are those who question his work and propose that it is a warning of what could potentially happen if power is not checked. However, a majority of individuals are said to think of it as a blueprint for how to gain power and hold onto it. (History Channel: Machiavelli, 2018) Cesare Borgia in The Prince is Machiavellis example of a prince with great prowess; however, this young man was also known to be the enemy of the Renaissance period (Demack, 2012). He was the illegitimate son of Pope Alexander VI, who ravaged Northern Italy, seized towns, and murdered many of those who attempted to stand in his way. (Demack, 2012). This meant no one was safe and anyone was liable to be strangled, stabbed, or poisoned with impunity. Niccollo Machiavelli was a Florentine diplomat during this time, therefore, he spent four months in Borgias court, writing dispatches to his superiors which helped inspire The Prince (Demack, 2012). In The Prince, he uses Borgia as an example to explain the dangers of acquiring principality by virtue of another got to change these words (Demack, 2012). Since Borgia was given power by virtue of his father, he ruled Romagna with overall skill. However, once his father died, a rival to his family gained influence, and Cesare was overthrown (Demack, 2012). This event having occurred hundreds of years ago may seem like an isolated moment in history, but the abuse of power is not peculiar to Renaissance politics. This abuse can occur anywhere, any time, and with anyone. Along with the brutality of war and politics, it seems that principles espoused by Machiavelli apply to not just todays society but to various time periods leading up to this. The Prince was intended to be a royal advice book explaining in detail the virtues that a good prince should possess (Machiavelli, 1810). The Prince gives instruction as to how a leader gains power and stays in power. In this book, he described how to run a principality without regarding what is traditionally right or wrong (Littell). Even though he did gain power in Florence, when the leadership changed, he also lost his political influence. The Prince, however, has become known as one of the best examinations of politics and is studied by political thinkers to this very day. Francis Bacon, British statesman and philosopher, wrote that We are much beholden to Machiavelli and others, that write what men do, and not what they ought to do, meaning that he wrote about the reality of politics rather than the theory (Littell). Even though The Prince had many practical insights on human behavior, it is also known to display a very pessimistic view of human nature and condones unethical way s of manipulating others (Littell). The Prince also teaches the inner workings of power. In his book, he asserts the importance of properly judging ones relationship with people of power (Demack, 2012). Misjudging these types of relationships, he reasons, can only jeopardize ones career, health, and bank balance. Power is usually abused when both the perpetrator and the victim share dysfunctional beliefs concerning power (Demack, 2012). Oftentimes, there are those who abuse their power and those who become victims, both of which act out of fear (Demack, 2012). The victim fears humiliation and the perpetrator fear the loss of power. Thus, Machiavelli tells us that the key to effective leadership is ones self-acceptance and self-knowledge. This was portrayed when men in The Prince, like Cesare Borgia, were destroyed simply because they lacked self-knowledge (Demack, 2012). Machiavelli asserted that if Borgia had recognized his weaknesses, he could well have ended up being far more successful. Self-acceptance, according to Machiavelli, is important because once one accepts their imperfections, they lose their power and others cannot manipulate them (Demack, 2012). This then gives one the courage needed to speak the truth to power and accept imperfections in others. This means that self-knowledge and self-acceptance are indispensable regardless of leading or following (Demack, 2012). In this sense he expresses the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their relationship with power. Machiavelli states that an appreciation for human nature allows one to foresee problems, defuse dangerous situations, and make wiser decisions (Demack, 2012). Applied to todays politics, these characteristics are very important in traversing the political playing field. To be able to understand what drives others and to have the objectivity to assess situations are both vital skills if one is to be successful. Machiavelli is said to have broken from politics in pursuit of a unified public and private good life (Stratford, 2015). This gave one the notion that politicians can operate according to the demands of the state as an entity independent from civil society and its moral imperatives (Stratford, 2015). He believed that in private morality the means matter just as much if not more (Stratford, 2015). However, in public morality, the ends are fundamental under all circumstances (Stratford, 2015). This means a leader who shows off their own moral imperfections to the public is more virtuous. In other words, he believed that to show ones imperfections was not a liability but an asset. Again, if we look President Trump, he definitely uses this philosophy. To his credit, he has garnered an admiration for his brutal honesty. Those who truly support him do not waiver, and much of this is, indeed, due to his unapologetic nature of telling it like it is. Machiavelli was the first to argue persuasively rules that constitute a morality as legitimate as that of ones everyday lifestyle (Stratford, 2015). His persuasiveness of the case rests in its relation to the world rather than its philosophical expansiveness (Stratford, 2015). Machiavellis writing came to life and even shaped the way generations of political leaders, publics, and philosophers understand how politics work. It also shaped the way that statesmen and politicians practice politics. This means that his legacy requires one to look at what he wrote and refer it to the world it was written about because that world involved the beginnings of the modern state. The term Machiavellian is used to characterize politicians who are evil because of the behaviors he is known to justify himself in his famous book, The Prince which turned Aristotles theory of virtues upside down and shook the European conception of government at its foundations (Borghini, 2017). Toward the end of the Sixteenth Century, The Prince was suddenly translated in all major European languages (Borghini, 2017). The Prince had also been a new subject of heated disputes into the many courts of the Old Continent. Unfortunately for Machiavelli, his main ideas have been misinterpreted at times. This led to the term coined as Machiavellianism, which would refer exclusively to his type (Borghini, 2017). Today, the term indicates a person with a cynical attitude, who is justified to do anything if the end requires it so long as they are a politician (Borghini, 2017). Again, an example of how this philosophy has sustained. One does not need to have read his book to understand the mea ning of the word Machiavellian. Machiavellianism has also made its way to the business world. This term used in the setting of the workplace means the employment of deceptive behavior in a business setting (Greenberg, 2003). Machiavellianism has even been studied as a personality characteristic sharing features with manipulative leadership tactics (Greenberg, 2003). Recently, however it has been applied to the context of the workplace and other organizations in a different way. Machiavellism, psychopathy, and narcissism, have been identified as the dark triatic personality traits (Greenberg, 2003). The Machiavellian generally manipulates individuals in pursuit of achieving his or her goals. A newer model of Machiavellianism is based on maintaining power, manipulative behaviors, and harsh management tactics (Greenberg, 2003). Studies have shown there to be a positive correlation between Machiavellianism and workplace bullying. The groups of bullies and victims were said to have a higher Machiavellianism level compared to those who were uninvolved (Greenberg, 2003). Machiavellians are known to manipulate and exploit individuals to advance their own personal agendas and maintain power over all. The guiding principles of Machiavellianism include that one must never show humility, arrogance is more effective when interacting with others, ethics and morality are for weak individuals, powerful people have the right to deceive others when necessary, and it is much better to be feared than to be loved (Greenberg, 2003). This means these individuals oftentimes neglect to share important information, fail to meet their own obligations, find ways of making others in management look bad, and spread false rumors. Research has shown Machiavellianism to be positively associated with subordinate perceptions of abusive su pervision which includes workplace bullying (Greenberg, 2003). However, if one looks deeper, Machiavelli actually addresses this issue. Bullying seems to be the only strategy known for individuals who cant lead. These individuals are weak, which means one will only become a victim if they cower. In the end, neither stance brings true happiness and one must always remember to watch their backs. Machiavelli addresses the danger of this. For example, most of the Roman emperors in The Prince died tragically before their time (Demack, 2012). Everyone is given the opportunity to lead others at work, in politics, in the community, or within ones family. Once one becomes a leader, however, they will be challenged which also means if there are any self-doubts, they will become very evident to those around them. Despite ones many strengths, often trying to hide ones weaknesses will only lead to them becoming exposed. (Demack, 2012). Machiavelli encourages strength and does say that the ends justify the means, but he also addresses the virtues of cunning a nd prowess, the ability to be a statesman. Bullying on its face would not be something that he endorsed but would rather warn against as an excess and a weakness. Through Machiavellis teachings, a very basic yet difficult question for politicians arises: Is it better to be fear or loved? According to Machiavelli, one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with (Machiavelli, 1810). This is because fear is easier to maintain for a ruler than love. Machiavelli believes that fear is the most reliable emotion that can be most easily controlled. One cannot rely on love because it is unstable. Fear, however, is constant and will remain true no matter what the circumstances are. Love creates a bond of obligation while fear encourages obedience. It is always difficult to rely on being loved because people can be ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, dissimulating, hungry for profit and quick to evade danger (Machiavelli, 1810). These are all very valid points that be interpreted the wrong way. Machiavelli never said it is better to be feared than loved, instead he only said it was safer (Machiavelli, 1810). This, again is another facet of his philosophy that has carried over to todays politics. Throughout the world, we have despots that reign with terror, not so many with compassion. This remains a question still pondered by todays politicians as they attempt to establish and maintain their position. Again, President Trump comes to mind as an example of this facet of Machiavellis theory. He admittedly uses fear as a political tactic to get what he wants. Again, we will have to wait to see if this proves to be an effective tool. Machiavelli changed the course of world history by his revolutionary philosophy. Perhaps it was really nothing new, but the fact that he defined his thoughts so clearly gave the politician a tool with which to traverse the political environment. This book has been translated in different languages and is still used today in other fields (i.e. business). Good or bad, Machiavelli changed the way the game of politic has played to this very day.

Brief Article Teaches You the Ins and Outs of Good Evaluation Essay Topics and What You Should Do Today

Brief Article Teaches You the Ins and Outs of Good Evaluation Essay Topics and What You Should Do Today Good Evaluation Essay Topics - What Is It? Ahead of writing, one ought to get extensive understanding about the subject. Also, think about the audience and the way that it reacts to the topic of the topic. The topic has to be interesting to you. In the event that you weren't assigned with a specific topic, you will want to choose one by yourself. Essays are not difficult to writethey all follow the very same structurewhich I will demonstrate in a minute. You may also have to learn to compose a review essay in an academically sound method. The essay indicates a considerable level of organization. To steer clear of common essay mistakes, a number of the things which you should always remind yourself when writing an evaluation essay are given below. Be certain that every one of the papers performed by our authors are plagiarism-free it is imperative. 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Developing a criterion for the evaluation essay topic together with the effective judgment from the face of the author is the fundamental requirement of an evaluation essay. The Hidden Gem of Good Evaluation Essay Topics There are various types of evaluation essays and you need to remember that every one of them have differences based on the aim of their creation. A self introduction essay can be helpful for different reasons like employment graduate school or professional pursuits. Many students think that it's a waste of time. Students and criminals participating in illicit activities now need to be fearful of different peers who might rat on them. The Fundamentals of Good Evaluation Essay Topics Revealed The very first step is to learn the criteria which you will utilize to compose an evaluation essay on a restaurant. There are 3 things one must have as a way to form an excellent evaluation essay. The very first step in w riting an evaluation essay is making the thesis. 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The paper seeks to provide a reader a comprehension of the caliber of an item. An evaluation paper provides value judgments about a specific subject in regard to a set of standards. To begin with, you should think about criteria that you are going to be d escribing in the very first portion of the human body section. Remember that the primary quality of an evaluation essay is the concentration of your evaluation all around your perspective. No matter if it is a performance evaluation essay sample or a different type, you will discover essential info to take into account in your writing. You have to spell out how you had the ability to produce the evaluation including the specification of the aspects that you've considered within the entirety of the evaluation and writing process.

Foreign Universities Free Essays

I’ve often wondered how best to define education. I’d like to define education as the procurement of those preternatural skills which would enable a person to choose between what is right and what is not. Our Indian system of education since time immemorial has been sailing magnificently on the winds of hope, moral coherence and ethical values with the principal objective of making all of us good human beings as opposed to mere knowledge banks. We will write a custom essay sample on Foreign Universities or any similar topic only for you Order Now As of today, ‘Indian Education’ is an immaculate melange of our conventional ideals of education, blended with infrastructural and technological boom, catering to the demands of modernization. Over the decades, we’ve produced some very fine men and women. From Swami Vivekananda to Sir C V Raman, from Amartya Sen to Rajendra Pachauri, they’ve all been fine lode stars of our educational system. I’ve never really been a fan of the Western Educational systems. Students there are bestowed with way too much unconditional liberty. They’re treated like empyreal emperors at a time when they should be ordered to shut their PlayStations and take a good look at their school books. There’s too much rationalism in there and very little humanism, which in a sense explains the reason for the rapid moral degradation among a significant number of students in the West. Look at the list of school related criminal attacks worldwide and you’d observe the US perched handsomely at the top. We read almost every week about teen shootouts, teen pregnancies and yet do not wish to speak about them in the open. ‘It’s taboo’. We, Indian students here, atleast under the fear of failure, the fear of humiliation, the fear of corporal punishment are compelled on to the right track as far as our pursuit of educational excellence is concerned. But the very fact that there exists no substantial force which can have similar influences on the students of the West is indeed quite a concern. Another factor working significantly against Western education is its exorbitant cost of education which almost puts it virtually out of reach for many middle class students world over. I know there’s been criticism of our Indian Educational system too. I know there’ve been people cynical of our ‘harsh’ and ‘stern’ methodology of education. But if the drilling exercise is a necessity for intellectual growth, a boon for the nation’s ambitions of having an educated electoral roll, the antidote for illiteracy and ignorance, the quintessential need for individual prosperity, then why not tread that path fearlessly? After all, it is only under pressure that coal turns to diamond. The dominant role of Indian Americans in the US economy is pretty noticeable as well. As of 2008, 4000 PIO professors and 84000 students made their way into US universities and Indian Silicon Valley entrepreneurs generate whopping revenue of $250 billion every year. Is it not ironical then that the well oiled products of our educational system are largely responsible for the economic boom of a ‘global superpower’? Who’s the Big Daddy now? Is this not tangible testimony of our profound educational prowess? Above all the number crunching and intricate statistics, above all the heated cacophony of debates and discussions, just one phrase rings euphoria and triumph in my mind. Vande Mataram. Nothing else. Thank you. I have just received a list of the top Universities of the world (1) University of Cambridge (2) University of Oxford (3) Harvard University (4) University of California 5) The Stanford University (6) University of Tokyo and it is certainly not a matter of great pride that the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai is ranked 30th and except the IIT’s, not a single university has made to the top 50. it is — p. m and the speed is so fast that you might see another foreign university getting into this list by the time I finish my speech. Today’s topic states â€Å"Should there be an entry of Foreign Educational Institution or University in India† and I stand here firmly opposing the motion. India right now has 487 Universities and 2200 colleges whereas the requirement is 1000 Universities and 35000 Colleges more. So foreign Universities is the only option left. Learning in a Foreign University has a definite advantage in terms of ambience, cultural environment and most of all provides an international mix. For India to become an economic superpower, we first need to become an educational superpower. The number of universities and institutions of higher learning are wholly inadequate to cater to the aspirations of a billion people – unless of course our purpose is to keep large sections of our population out of the education system. Having known different parts of the world and different types of institutions, I can say categorically that as far as the intellect is concerned, we are second to none. How we can overlook the sorry state of our universities and institutions of higher learning. Results are not announced in time. Evaluation is neither objective nor done with any sensitivity. Regulation in education still dates back to the license-permit regime that could do precious little for the country for over five decades.. Our Universities, have failed to impart education in all subject areas. Many new sciences and technologies are never introduced to our students immediately after their inventions. We tend not to care too much for quality, and are pretty complacent about what is acceptable standards. What we lack is a work ethic that nurtures excellence in all its manifestations. The ‘Chalta Hai’ attitude is predominant and the only way to break it is to expose this mindset to global standards. Recently cabinet has approved Foreign Educational Institution Bill 2010. I salute Minister of HRD, Mr. Kapil Sibbal for this revolutionary move towards getting a class education in India. Afterall the bill upon becoming a law is sure to make it more convenient for domestic students to get world class education at their door steps. With this, I rest my case but not my thoughts. Thanks I’ve often wondered how best to define education. I’d like to define education as the procurement of those preternatural skills which would enable a person to choose between what is right and what is not. Our Indian system of education since time immemorial has been sailing magnificently on the winds of hope, moral coherence and ethical values with the principal objective of making all of us good human beings as opposed to mere knowledge banks. Over the decades, we’ve produced some very fine men and women. From Swami Vivekananda to Sir C V Raman, from Amartya Sen to Rajendra Pachauri, they’ve all been fine lode stars of our educational system. I know there’ve been people cynical of our ‘harsh’ and ‘stern’ methodology of education. But if the drilling exercise is a necessity for intellectual growth, then why not tread that path fearlessly? After all, it is only under pressure that coal turns to diamond. Look at the list of school related criminal attacks worldwide and you’d observe the US perched handsomely at the top. The dominant role of Indian Americans in the US economy is pretty noticeable as well. Is it not ironical that the well oiled products of our educational system are largely responsible for the economic boom of a ‘global superpower’? Who’s the Big Daddy now? Is this not tangible testimony of our profound educational prowess? Above all the number crunching and intricate statistics, above all the heated cacophony of debates and discussions, just one phrase rings euphoria and triumph in my mind. Vande Mataram. Nothing else. Thank you. How to cite Foreign Universities, Papers