Renaissance humanists insisted upon the connection between
the virtuous life and the best political environment. In contrast, Machiavelli’s
The Prince argues that a strong state needs a strong ruler---one who is crafty
and amoral and willing to do whatever is necessary to promote the state.
Discuss how these two views promote different types of leadership. What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each philosophy? How are these views evident in
modern-day politics? Do we want our leaders to be virtuous or is this
immaterial to their ability to lead?
Respond in one formal paragraph. Make sure to proof prior to posting. Must be posted prior to 1:30 p.m on Feb 21
The advantage of living a virtuous life while leading in a political position is that the people that are under their rule will admire them. This admiration would make an uprising under their rule more unlikely to surface. The disadvantage of this is that it serves as a weakness for slander; opponents could hamper with their personal lives in which they likely hold in high regard. This could cause turmoil in their effectiveness as a leader from having to deal with their personal matters along with their politcal duties.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Machiavelli theory, the advantage is that other countries could feel intimidated by the leader for their infamous cunning. Countries would prove more reluctant to go to war with a leader who is hardened and treacherous both in their personal life and in political or otherwise. The disadvantage of this is that a silent hostility could brew between the citizens which added to a poor ruling could end in an impeachment for the leader. Which one is better is dependent on the state of the country (whether it needs a more calm environment or reformation).
Choosing between morality and the connection of a virtuous life can sometimes be hard to choose from, when being placed in the position of power. Both have many advantages and disadvantages .when you live a virtuous life your enemies are limited because everyone enjoys your presence. You will have people follow you because of your joyous spirit but, when you have 1,000 to follow you, there will always be that one wicked person that takes your kindness for a weakness and try to change the minds of others. In contrast, if you are an amoral leader who is straight-forwards and does whatever necessary to promote the state you will have many to hate you. They will listen to you in fear of all consequences if they choose to disdain your commands of power. Modern day politics also suffer in the same way. They are fearful of the amoral leaders that has been set in modern counties because, they are afraid of the consequences. It is better to have a leader who is hated by many but has the power and authority to get business done than, be love by all (having a virtuous life )and ran-over by many.
DeleteThe advantage of living a virtuous life while maintaining a prosperous political environment is that the ruler is less likely to deal with as many stressful situations in his personal life than one who does not distiguish a significant difference and separation between the two worlds. I also agree with Anissa regarding the citizens admiration towards the ruler. However, a disadvantage is that they are more prone to opponents hindering their social lives in order to hamper with their political position.
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary, Machiavelli's philosophy suggests that a strong state needs a strong ruler--one who is willing to do whatever is necessary to promote the state. This theory enables the people to admire and respect his dedication and commitment to being a strong effective leader. It also causes his enemies to be hesitant when planning an attack because they would be aware that he could retaliate with a vehement counter attack. However, This ruler would most likely make more irrational and impetuous decisions which could ultimately cause havoc and turmoil sending the country downwards.
The advantage of living a virtuous life in a political position. Are the people of the state will love you, they will praise and cherish you as their leader.Because people love when their leader actually cares about them and what they have to say about there state.But as a disadvantage other people and or politics will take your kind leadership as a weakness. Then the congress and certain people will try to coorrupt peoples minds that you should not run the state because you aent strong and weak minded.
ReplyDeleteAs for Machiavelli's, other politics and states will fear you because of how strong you are as a leader. When people get intimidated by someone who is very strong minded. They tend to weaken down and corporate with the stronger leader to stay on their good side so that they ont be over thrown out of their political position.Even though the people wont really like their Machiavelli leader the state will have much more structure.