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Political Perspectives Of Niccolo Machiavelli's Political Views

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Machiavelli's Political Views Niccolo Machiavelli is treated as “one of the founders of philosophy of history and one of the first to create a political science based on the studying of historical actions” (“Machiavelli's The Prince”). The man lived in 15th and 16th centuries, but his political views are still appropriate for today, despite the fact his ideas were called dishonest, sinister and cunning. The Prince is one of the most famous Machiavelli's political works. It was written in 1513 and was dedicated to Lorenzo de' Medici. The book is unique “not because it explains how to take control of other lands and how to control them, but because it gives advice that often disregards all moral and ethical rules” (“Machiavelli's The Prince”). …show more content…

Many author’s ideas state that the ends justify the means. In other words Machiavelli believed that even unethical, cruel actions are appropriate, if they would lead to the effective ruling. For example, the Chapter 17 says the governor should choose cruelty not mercy because it “is much safer to be feared than loved” (Machiavelli 79). In other words, author advises rulers not give up on repressions and other sanctions in attempt to maintain and improve their positions in state. These actions will be justified, even in case of human losses, if the goal will be achieved. Machiavelli also defends wars in case of the statement “ends justify the means”. In the Chapter 14 he claims that “prince ought to have no other aim or thought, nor select anything else for his study, than war” (Machiavelli 67). This attitude helps the governor to keep officials and other people on tenterhooks so they will not be able to think about other things like the rebellion. Machiavelli understood such position will cause many human tolls both in the governor’s country and on the enemy’s side. But he justified wars, because they helped to achieve the goal to protect and improve the ruler’s position. Author believed that princes are allowed to do negative things as they will lead to their development as

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