First in the political philosophy thread series - Machiavelli
Daistallia 2104
09-11-2005, 05:24
As promised here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=453108), I'm starting a series of threads to discuss political philosophy. I'm starting with my favorite, Niccolò Machiavelli (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/machiavelli/).
To start the discussion, how well versed are you in the works of Niccolò Machiavelli?
Pennterra
09-11-2005, 07:19
I've glanced through The Prince in my European History course. The main thing to remember is that he supported a republic like that of Venice, which was about as liberal as it got in the 16th century. The Prince was based on his observations of what current rulers DID do, not what they SHOULD do. Since one of the main sources of policy in his book was Cesare Borgia, you can see why his work was so ruthless- it was based on ruthless people.
Mariehamn
09-11-2005, 07:54
Heh, I avoided this poll like the plague, but then I realized I could vote: "NONE!" You are so clever, Daistallia 2104! I love polls, they're so fun!
Free Soviets
09-11-2005, 08:17
man, it's been a long time since i read the prince. high school, i think. after that it was mostly the odd excerpt of other things in various courses in college.