Politics and Ethics

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Against the Machiavellian Principles of Politics

According to Machiavelli , the affairs of the state reside in the power of the prince . It is the prince which determines , directs , and unifies the components of the state . The prince therefore should act to preserve , strengthen , and protect his position from danger , whether external or internal , without due moral consideration . In short , with the preservation of the state in mind , the prince should act with political diligence to promote it , regardless of the means . According to

Machiavelli , he who considers what ought to be done rather what is done will rather find himself in a state of ruin than preservation (Machiavelli , 29 . Political action free from any moral consideration is based from three assumptions

Human nature is corrupt and selfish . It is impossible for the prince to satisfy all the needs of the people without injuring the welfare of others . The people is always eager to overthrow their government , to mock the instruments of the state , and to criticize the actions of the prince , whenever their interests (whether political or economic ) are affected . According to Machiavelli , Because this is to be asserted in general of men , that they are ungrateful , fickle , false , cowardly covetous , and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely they will offer you their blood , property , life and children , as is said above when the need is far distant but when it approaches they turn against you (Machiavelli , 29

Morality and religion only...