The Political Philosophy of Noccolo Machiavelli

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Political philosophy may be defines as reflection on how to arrange one’s collective life – political institutions or social practices, economic systems and patterns of life. (Sometimes a distinction is made between political and social philosophy, but this paper will use 'political philosophy' in a broad sense to include both.) To justify, for example, a particular form of government, show how a society’s resources should be shared equally, or explain the individuals have certain inalienable right; political philosophers seek to establish basic principles. Typically a study of ideals such as freedom, justice, and authority and applying them to current socio-political conditions is involved. Many political philosophers tried to justify their own society; others paint pictures of idealized states or social worlds very different from anything experienced to date. As one of history’s most prolific political philosophers, Niccolo Machiavelli’s works were profound enough that Machiavellian became a commonly used word. While his works are often perceived as cynical or unethical, he did not set out to provoke controversy or suggest cruelty as a way to control a state. Rather, he set forth to establish courses of action, or a code of conduct, that would ultimately lead to the preservation of the state and the respect of its people. His principle of authority and power, with a goal of preservation, creates a fusion of antique and modern thought of power, reflecting the reality of the world. Mostly looked through the frame of moralist and religious views, Machiavelli’s principles impact on politics has been pervasive and durable, even though his writings are often seen as unsystematic, conflicting, and at times contradictory. Amongst political philosophers it is commonly argued that a unique relationship between legitimate authority and moral virtue. Plato, for instance,

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