Throughout class one of the major themes has been what qualities make the best possible ruler. Two of my favorite philosophers, Plato and Machiavelli, although very different both attempt to give an answer of what makes a good ruler. Plato’s Philosopher King and Machiavelli’s Prince share their similarities and differences, but in the end Machiavelli paints a more realistic picture of a ruler which makes his prince more favorable. In order to understand why Machiavelli’s Prince may be more appealing
Justice is one of four cardinal Platonic virtues. These virtues are said to be good by nature, and so they must be ideals that all individuals strive to demonstrate in their lives. In The Republic, Plato (through Socrates) attempts to find the definition of Justice through dialogue with his colleagues. One of his colleagues Thrasymachus proclaims that: “Justice is in the interest of the stronger.” (338c) In other words, rulers make laws from which only they reap the benefits of. Fortunately, this dark view
common as the subjects made attempts to topple their abusive and cruel ruler. In view of the importance of managing states and winning wars for expanding the territory of rulers, heads of states consulted known philosophers and intellectuals like Mencius whose wisdom proved to be vital in their rule. This essay seeks to discuss Mencius’ concept of ruler-ship and what to the mind of Mencius constitutes the best and most effective ruler. Initially, Mencius separates society into two classes of
To be an efficient ruler they must possess the ability to project beast like attitude, with this correlated with this is the justification of a ruler for breaking his word, this idea only applies if doing otherwise will place a ruler at a disadvantage within his society. These two characteristics are inevitable and imperative to rulers if they hope to be successful. For a ruler, presentation is key to leading a successful society. They must learn to be “Half man, half beast.” Machiavelli points
of the rulers. Second, by claiming that all craftsmen only consider the welfare of the recipients of expertise instead of their own interest,
Niccolo Machiavelli’s “The Prince” attempts to explain the necessary tactics and required knowledge a ruler must attain in order to gain and maintain a successful reign. The novel serves as an abstract manual, addressing the definition of a good/bad ruler by placing emphasis on the required military organization, the character a ruler must posses, and the success that could be attained if a ruler should follow the guide. The scope in which the book is written is that of a scholarly observant. Machiavelli
are made because of the environment. Each person believes leaders possess certain characteristics that make them "good" rulers. I believe leaders are made, they are taught what is wrong and right, and they are taught how to be a certain kind of leader in the context of their environment. I want to discuss what makes someone a "good" leader. Is a good leader efficient and adaptable or is a good leader born with predetermined qualities that dictate how they will rule over a kingdom or state? In Hsün
Machiavelli offer important views on political philosophies of rulers. Plato writes of a perfect society where status as ruler is naturally selected through innate abilities. These abilities are used to sustain the society, better it, and preserve it. Machiavelli writes of a society where anyone can be a prince; which for our purposes is a synonym for ruler, if they follow his instructions. These instructions are to ensure a new ruler can take control of new lands and maintain order in them for the
There have been many absolute rulers that ruled societies throughout history. Some of those rulers that had power would use it to either abuse their power to control everyone and have their own rules or the rulers would enlighten their power and give the people more privileges. One ruler that enlightened his power was Peter the Great. Peter the great used his power to improve society and used ideas from the ruler before. Those ideas from the ruler before that was never used peter the great took those
What mix of traits creates the perfect ruler? Some may say charisma, personability, or even good looks. Throughout history, a plethora of leaders with different views have been successful for many different kinds of societies. Depending on what the society needs, rulers change their ways as well as do what they can for the good of their people. In Plato’s The Republic, the character Socrates argues with his peers about what makes the perfect society, as well as the perfect leader. According to Plato