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Machiavelli, Some see Machiavelli as a defender of Absolutism, while…
Machiavelli
Republicanism
Even though he was skeptical after seeing many republics fail, he still defended them.
The Republic is the best government form, because it allows debate between different groups, although unequal societies will face greater difficulties.
He sees conflict as normal and healthy, as it helps the republic evolve.
Machiavelli valued freedom, but the freedom of the state from foreign influence should be above the freedom of the citizens.
When there’s no support of any group, a new order must be installed, which will require tremendous virtue and force, though the use of force should be done quickly and efficiently.
Renaissance
Just like many others at the time of the Renaissance, Machiaveli valued the teachings of ancient Greece and Rome.
Though many others were Humanists and saw men as good, Machiaveli had a pessimistic view of a greedy and egoistic humanity.
Also values rhetoric and debate in his works, just like ancient Greece.
Criticized the corruption and influence of the Church, and just like many Humanists he preferred valuing the material world.
Plus, his ideas were focused on doing what was practical for the state, instead of what followed Christian doctrine.
Adopted Civic humanism, which sees history as a series of consequences of free willed actions, rather than the will of God. Thus, he values republican ideas.
Morals and success
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Separates private life from public life, as actions that are good in one are not necessarily good in the other.
The Prince
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In order to be seen as liberal, the Prince must invest in arts, which will require large taxation and might cause unrest.
Thus, it's better to be seen as a penny-pincher, as you'll anger few and always have money reserves.
A Prince must avoid being seen as cruel, which is specially hard to new ones. It is however, safer to be feared than loved.
A Prince must act virtuously according to Christian doctrine, except when not convenient.
To be famous, a Prince must be competent, entertain the people, sponsor arts, etc.
Fortune plays a huge role in life, but it usually favours the virtuous.
Italy, being in chaos and invaded, was in a good moment for unification under a virtuous ruler.
Some see Machiavelli as a defender of Absolutism, while others see him as a Republican, and some simply believe he wanted a strong state no matter what.
His ideas were ignored by the Church at first, but were banned by the Counter-Reformation once they became more popular.
Machiavelli saw virtue and fortune as being the defining factors of success, not goodness.