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Shield Logic In The Prince Essay

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Shield logic plays an important role in Machiavelli’s The Prince. The book is written as a sort of how to guide for new princes to rule. Desire his ruthless reputation, his main concern was the means to which best provided the state the stability to thrive. Machiavelli’s book is filled with all kinds of contrasting thoughts as he understood that only certain situations called for shield logic, while others required different kinds of persuasive power manipulation. This is vitally important, and is the main reason why I believe Machiavelli is the most successful at using shield logic to benefit the control of the prince. He understands how the prince must be seen by his people through layers and never as he is. He cites the power of being viewed …show more content…

One example of this is when Caesar Borgia placed the control of Romagnia to Messer Remiro d’Orco who ruled with violence force to quell those wishing for retribution. D’ Orco using the claim “get in line or die” and Borgia as an extension became heavily hated as leaving an unstable Romagnia (Erickson, 2010, 66). To regain the trust of the population, Borgia secretly arrested d’Orco and publicly executed him in the night. His body was left on display, and become a message for the people that it was Borgia who was in control as the undeniable protector of the people of Romagnia. This action was not done with the intention to be cruel, but instead to be pragmatic, as with one death (of a leader who killed many), Borgia regained the stability of his state. This single killing left the people with their need for revenge satisfied, and redirected an appropriate amount of fear towards Borgia earning the respectful fear of his subjects (Minter, 1992, 8). Thus, Machiavelli explores the nuances of when to use the shield as he understands that the reality of the prince must be separate from the public image of the prince to exude

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