POLSC201: Introduction to Western Political Thought

2.1: Timing and Cunning in Politics

• Nicolò Machiavelli's The Prince >

  Read Chapters I-XVII of The Prince. In many ways, Machiavelli is considered the first modern political scientist. In The Prince, Machiavelli argues that successful statecraft requires tools that many traditional philosophical and political ideals simply could not provide, and he sees politics as a public responsibility that cannot be based upon the same ethics that guide private life.

  Study Guide Questions:

  1. What is Machiavelli's view of human nature?
  2. Is Machiavelli's approach to government similar to or different from Plato's idealized vision in The Republic, and how so?
  3. How is Machiavelli's concept of virtue similar to or different from that of Aristotle?
  4. Machiavelli questions whether it is better for the prince to be loved by the people or feared by the people. He argues that both are important, and if possible, the prince should be equally feared and loved. However, he also calls this an unattainable ideal, and finally concludes that the prince should choose to be feared, rather than loved, by the people. Is Machiavelli right?

• 2.1.1: Hereditary and Conquered Principalities (States)

  • Yale University: Steven Smith's "New Modes and Orders: Machiavelli's The Prince, Chapters 1-12" Page

    Watch this lecture. As you watch, consider Machiavelli's background compared to that of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The political landscape of Europe was considerably bigger and more complex during the Renaissance and thus allowed Machiavelli to advance some of the first political concepts and models.

  • Discussion: Machiavelli Today URL

    Modern politics is rife with examples of Machiavellian thought. If Machiavelli were alive today, would he be a liberal or conservative? A libertarian or fascist? Why?

    Post your response in the discussion forum, and check back to see what some of your classmates have written. Feel free to leave comments on the posts of your classmates.

• 2.1.2: Volunteer Armies and Mercenaries

  • The Significance of Mercenaries URL

    Read this article. Machiavelli's theory of mercenaries was the first of its kind, and this article explains the historical and contemporary debates surrounding Machiavelli's theory.

  • Quickfire Quiz: The Prince

    Answer these questions on the major themes in Machiavelli's The Prince.