Machiavelli and Erasmus Compared by GENNADY STOLYAROV II Two scholars who lived simultaneously during the Renaissance could be considered the principal representatives of two colossally different schools of thought‚ humanism and pragmatism‚ which may be termed diametrical opposites in many respects. In their theories regarding government‚ war‚ toleration‚ and the perception of the individual‚ Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536) and Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) differed dramatically‚ though with
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humans as having great potential‚ as was common in his time‚ Machiavelli analyzes power in a way that is more consistent with the realities of human nature. He recognizes that societies of people are unpredictable and thus difficult to manage. Throughout the text‚ there are multiple suggestions for how a ruler would be able to maintain his power over the people regardless of their capricious nature. In The Prince‚ Niccolo Machiavelli asserts that‚ due to this erratic nature of man‚ a wise prince
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A critical assessment of Machiavelli ’s claim that ’people should be either caressed or crushed ’. by Glen Thomson (11161340) for the course: Political Theory (200.215) Niccoló Machiavelli lived in violent times. He was an acute observer of the political realm and he read and studied the works of the great philosophers. Using these experiences he wrote a book called ’The Prince ’‚ in part to exhibit his ingenuity and knowledge‚ in part to try and secure employment of a political nature. In The
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MACHIAVELLI: THE PRINCE: Themes and Ideas During Machiavelli’s time‚ society was much different than it had been for previous philosophers. Instead of storing up good works‚ so as to enjoy paradise‚ as the medieval man did‚ the Renaissance man was interested in all things‚ enjoyed life‚ strove for worldly acclaim and wealth‚ and had a deep interest in classical civilizations. He was born at a time of conflict within Florence‚ Italy‚ between the republican leaders and the family of the
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Machiavelli vs. Erasmus I believe that both of these views‚ to a certain extent and in certain situations‚ are still relevant today. With some people‚ the parts of the population that seek only to gain in their lives‚ and not contribute to the betterment of society‚ I would say that the Machiavellian approach would be of better use. Because he is right‚ a lot of men are ungrateful‚ fickle‚ deceptive‚ avoiders of dangers and eager to gain. With these kinds of people‚ they will try to take what they
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inherently evil. Machiavelli’s view of humanity is of a society full of selfish individuals who would choose success for themselves over the success of someone they love. His society however‚ was much different from the society we live in today. In his era‚ most regions were rule by single individuals or family lines which used cruelty and fear to keep their people in line. In our current era the use of democratic forms of government have become a symbol of political evolution and progress for human rights
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should not let the nation to go under disorder and chaos because at the end the leaders are the one who decide. Also‚ Machiavelli believed that it’s the prince’s responsibility to lead his state into order and give the stability to his people. The characteristics of an excellent prince are being respected and feared‚ good virtues‚ and intelligent. Discussion As Machiavelli believed‚ a prince or a leader ought to be feared and respected because it is not his responsibility to be loved or
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Ryan Bourque AP European Statistics 9-24-14 Mrs. Flemming Machiavelli: The Prince Machiavelli’s The Prince is a short treatise‚ written in 1513 and published in 1532‚ about how one should rule. Since its publication‚ The Prince has been surrounded by popularity and controversy. It is considered the first modern philosophical political work of literature‚ considering its message reflects certain modern ethical political themes. Widely circulated at the time‚ The Prince is about how princes‚ either
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(with citations) The Prince is Machiavelli’s guide for ruling and conquering states. Machiavelli elaborates on various ways to acquire principalities and provides the reader with a straightforward guide on how to successfully conquer and maintain control over states. Machiavelli analyses the strengths and flaws of certain paths to conquest‚ how to maintain a hold on power and the importance of strong arms. Machiavelli sees humans as easily persuaded and simple minded. He believes that all people want
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Ideas on the same topic always seem to differ from person to person. This holds true to the ideas of Machiavelli and Castiglione. The Prince‚ written by Machiavelli‚ and The Courtier‚ written by Castiglione‚ are both somewhat how-to guides for nobility‚ royalty‚ and princes. However‚ there are many distinct differences among the ideas of Castiglione and Machiavelli. Castiglione’s philosophy leads down the path of a well-rounded person; a more peaceful manner. Machiavelli’s philosophy is more straightforward
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