Free College Essays - Machiavelli’s Politics in The Prince :: Machiavelli Prince

The Prince - Machiavellis Italian Politics The Prince was one of the first humanist works of the Renaissance. Indeed it is a work of art, a literary chef-doeuvre of sorts. Yet this work has been vehemently debated over the centuries and remains one of the most controversial pieces of writing today. Although many critics consider The Prince a satire, simply an attempt to key out the problems with the ruling class, most see Machiavellis work as a serious attempt to lay the groundwork for the reunification of Italy under the Medici family of Florence. Machiavellis fancy that the model prince should use a variety of tactics to secure his powernamely that the end justifies the meansis the most controversial issue raised in The Prince. Knowing that this notion would not be universally accepted, Machiavelli, through his book, tries to justify his idea by showing that men are inherently evil. Though godliness can often serve to unify a prince and his people, it can also serve to un do him. Thus, Machiavelli proposes that politics and religion should be held in separate spheresreligion, in Gods spherepolitics, in mans. Many readers applaud this theme as refreshingly realistic others attack Machiavellis assertions, saying that they via media moral integrity. Yet Machiavellis prince does not wish to preserve moral good or spiritual integrity he simply wants to attain and curb his principality. Machiavelli struggles to pave a road for order in this world, in the here and now he doesnt attempt to secure the otherworldly blessings of God. This notion, of course, stands in lancinating contrast to the moral virtue promoted by most Greek, Roman, and Hebrew politicians and writers. These thinkers saw no clear distinction between religion and politics, instead seeing the poof as the human embodiment of God. Thus, Machiavelli gives a general overview of human behavior, hoping that future princes can establish peace and security in their kingdoms, using this basic kn owledge.