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Machivellian interpretation of humanism

Machiavelli’s work The Prince is a contradiction of the political philosophy of his time. Machiavelli’s philosophy is to put all political power in the hands of a single person, who would make decisions for all of society, while above all serving in the best interests of himself. These interests included gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. Machiavelli promotes a secular society where morality is unnecessary, and stood in the way of an effectively governed principality. Although Machiavelli’s theories seem very authoritarian and against representative government it is important to note that during his lifetime in Italy there was a very unstable and deteriorating political state of affairs. His solution seems harsh and very risky; however he describes this Prince as a savior from the turmoil of his times.
During Machiavelli’s time in Florence, Italy was politically divided into a number of city states; these states were given greater allegiance by thei...

Posted by: Jessica Linton

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