To what extent does Machiavelli`s historical situation determine his view of human nature and political expediency? Research that historical context and formulate a well-supported argument.

Historical Context of Machiavelli 's The Prince

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In chapter XV-XVII of The Prince , Niccolo Machiavelli turned his attention from the affairs of governmental bodies , to those of the ruler , in this case , a prince . The basis of his presented theory stated ruling men must not live their lives virtuously . In concentrating their energies in this area , men will fail as it is in their nature . He suggests princes try to live for the greater outcome of the people , live for the result as opposed to the

virtues presented by God . In doing so rulers free themselves to protect the state by any means necessary , thus facilitating a noble country rather than a noble man . The ideals and welfare of the state must come first and foremost according to Machiavelli . The question is why would he recommend such errant behavior in the eyes of the majority ? Given the historical context of the writing , one can see the political environment required a validation on the point , a justification for the behavior of the ruling class of people at the time . In solidifying the state 's welfare through whatever means necessary , the ruler becomes virtuous through the greater good in the end

It 's much wiser to put up with the reputation of a miser , which brings you shame without hate , than to be forced - just because you want to appear generous - into a reputation for rapacity , which brings shame on you and hate along with it (Machiavelli , 866 . Machiavelli asserts that the ruler must use the money of others at hand in to support governmental actions and referendums . This precise action was the norm for the ruling Medici family at the time . Machiavelli gives direct evidence to the usage (proper or not ) of the community coffers and offers logical justification for using it to secure

You should consider then , that there are two ways of fighting , one with laws and the other with force (Machiavelli , 868 . Machiavelli goes on to discuss the validity of elitist actions in forcing the ruled into submission . By doing so , the ruler maintains his position and remains on the path to glory . Often times throughout the article McCormick cites the use of the Republic to defend his assertions that the ruler must act in defense of the state , whether the populous would support the actions or not . In other works , Machiavelli states the fallacy of the Roman republic in going against the community it served in to do the right thing for the longevity of Rome . By following their lead , the prince can expect to be remembered for all eternity as a great leader of men and controller of monetary influence (McCormick 300

Several viewpoints have emerged regarding Machiavelli 's motivation in the writing of The Prince , but as Dietz illustrates , the text itself points to the exact opposite of what a true political leader would advise . She cites other research wherein the conclusion points to Machiavelli seeing the Medici...