Socrates and Machiavelli both grew up in times of political instability which formed and shaped their political beliefs. Machiavelli primarily discussed his view of how a leader should behave in the book: The Prince. A prince is an individual who is the leader of a state or group of people. Machiavelli’s version of a prince is very accurate but, Socrates would not support Machiavelli’s version of a prince. Machiavelli believed a prince must be domineering and aggressive, while Socrates viewed
Machiavelli was truly a one of a kind man in his time period. His rough outlook on life due to his harsh experiences with the government was entirely different than those in and before his time. Machiavelli believed in living in the present and was a straight forward realist. Socrates on the other hand had essentially devoted his life to finding a universal truth. He considered that to be his contribution to society. When it came to government and the structure of society Machiavelli and Socrates
of knowledge, while others feel that some people are superior to others. This essay will explore how Socrates and Machiavelli would have compared themselves and their beliefs. Socrates would not have appreciated Machiavelli’s concept of “The Prince”. Socrates also would not have supported a political system that “The Prince” would be willing to go along with. To begin with, in “The Apology”, Socrates came off as a smart and caring person. He cared about others, and others also cared about him. He made
Socrates and Machiavelli are considered to be great philosophers and well-known political thinkers of their times. They are the basis of which political philosophy and theory is studied and learned today. Each individual had a different idea on what the best political system is, how citizens should act, and how the ruler of said political system should conduct themselves. The differences in opinion can be attributed to the different time periods each profound thinker lived in. Socrates lived in Ancient
Machiavelli’s Prince Socrates and Machiavelli both lived during a period of nefarious governmental practices and political instability. However, these two men possessed dichotomous beliefs on how to achieve their ends, the means with which to achieve them, and the temperament a ruler must possess in order to be successful. Due to this stark contrast in their sentiments, Socrates would view Machiavelli’s concept of a prince as repugnant due to its absence of morality. Socrates would also disapprove
upon our ancient tool, and many philosophers and thinkers rose to the challenge. Perhaps the greatest among them were Socrates and Machiavelli, whose ideas regarding violence and its ideal usage to us inspired countless other prominent figures after their respective times. Socrates believed humans are imperfect and fallible, and should therefore avoid using violence. Machiavelli on the on the other hand considered violence a useful tool in achieving one’s goals.
Machiavelli and Socrates were beings of their time. The world around them shaped their views, and their views have in turn shaped ours. While both lived through turbulent times, they do not share the same ideology. Socrates would dislike Machiavelli’s description of the ideal prince, regardless of how the prince actually ruled. Socrates would oppose both how the prince got to power and keeps it, as well as the society over which he rules. Socrates assigned certain responsibilities to both the ruler
Duties of the Prince: A Look at Machiavelli and Socrates’ Political Philosophies Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli, two of the most influential political philosophers of their respective times, have had profound impact on the functionality of government in today’s society, laying a sturdy foundation for successful democracies to come. Though they are equally impactful, their differing ideals are cause for close examination, especially when it comes to those relating to the Prince, or the ideal ruler
Government 241: Political Philosophy Professor Ives October 13, 2017 The morality which guided Socrates were an end all, be all for him. He did not wish to live without his search for truth. Socrates would see a Machiavellian Prince as self-centered, and void of morals. A Machiavellian prince would not appreciate the way Socrates carried himself and would see him as a challenge to his authority. Socrates would not support a Machiavellian society because most likely he would not be free to philosophize
Socrates and Machiavelli- Opposite Opinions on Sustaining Political Power Socrates would have been skeptical of Machiavelli’s assertions on how a prince should rule his kingdom. Socrates preferred to question people to understand what should the right thing and philosophy, rather than just studying the actions of past people. From his studying of human behavior, Machiavelli concludes that prince should make decisions with his self- interests in mind, rather than working within what morality and