The Morality of Machiavelli: A Controversial Analysis
1. Introduction:
Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian political thinker and diplomat born in 1469. He is best known for his work The Prince, written in 1513. In this work, Machiavelli discusses the ways in which a ruler can maintain power. Machiavelli’s views on compassion, honesty and liberality are controversial and have caused much debate.
2. Machiavelli’s views on compassion:
Machiavelli believes that compassion is a weakness that should be avoided. He writes that “it is better to be feared than loved, if one of the two must be lacking” (The Prince, Chapter XVIII). This view stems from the belief that people are not to be trusted and that they will only act in their own self-interest. For Machiavelli, it is better to inspire fear in others as this will make them more likely to obey.
3. Machiavelli’s views on honesty:
Machiavelli’s views on honesty are complex and often contradictory. In some instances, he advises rulers to be honest and straightforward with their subjects. However, in other instances, he advises them to lie and deceive if it is necessary to maintain power. For instance, Machiavelli writes that “a prudent ruler ought not to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests” (The Prince, Chapter XVIII). This flexible use of the term ‘honesty’ has led some to accuse Machiavelli of amorality.
4. Machiavelli’s views on liberality:
Machiavelli’s views on liberality are also complex and often contradictory. In some instances, he advises rulers to be generous with their subjects. However, in other instances, he advises them to be stingy. For instance, Machiavelli writes that “a prince should not mind incurring the reproach of stinginess” (The Prince, Chapter XVI). This flexible use of the term ‘liberality’ has led some to accuse Machiavelli of amorality.
5. Conclusion:
Machiavellian views cause controversy hence his flexible use of the terms such as honesty, liberality, and compassion propagate amorality.