The Prince And The Last Days Of Socrates - 1987 Words

A Questionable Principality In The Prince and The Last Days of Socrates, Niccolà ² Machiavelli and Socrates give their respective personal discourses on what makes an effective leader and what are favorable practices of politics. Although both men have intense nationalism and agree on the ends of their operations being a prosperous principality, it is how they plan to get there, in which the two men differ. Machiavelli believes in a cautious, unexamined approach to statecraft where the ends justify the means while Socrates believes in a ruler that is questioned by his people, examines every viable option available, and adheres to a morally correct code of ethics that is driven by the betterment of the soul over the benefit of one’s state.†¦show more content†¦Rather than just basing his rule entirely off of successful predecessors, Socrates would utilize their methods to formulate his own strategies in a more forward-thinking manner. Socrates would examine various ot her means to get to the same end of establishing power and dominance amongst his people, rather than concluding that the method used by Cesare Borgia was the right course of action in the given situation. He would look at Borgia’s exercise in power and question what the man could have done as an alternative to killing his minster. Would it be exiling him? Or perhaps question he would this man like he would do to the so-called â€Å"wise† men of Athens and try to catch him in a lie? These are means that Machiavelli failed to consider in lieu of blindly following the example of rulers’ past. Thus, Socrates would consider Machiavelli’s reliance on historical examples to be not enough when it comes to a successful political system, and would passionately disagree with the unexamined regime the Florentine endorses. In a Machiavellian society, it doesn’t matter how one produces a prosperous principality as long as the people are happy, the state is milit arily stable, and the prince’s jurisdiction is unhindered by any impending aggression towards his rule. If it requires aShow MoreRelatedThe Last Days Of Socrates And Niccolo Machiavelli s The Prince And The Discourses1651 Words   |  7 PagesThe Last Days of Socrates, and Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince and The Discourses. Both pieces take place during political uncertainty with surrounding societal turmoil. Each take a different approach to how these issues must be dealt with. They each have their own construct of an ideal political regime which, at times overlap, but at others do not. Machiavelli seeks to gain power and wealth while Socrates seeks to gain knowledge and justice. It is because of these differences that Socrates wouldRead MoreThe Political Philosophy Of Niccolo Machiavelli And Socrates1444 Words   |  6 Pageswell-known and notorious philosophers, Niccolo Machiavelli and Socrates laid the groundwork for western political philosophy and modern day p olitics. Though both lived through times of political transition and war, the fragility of their politics, violence of their wars, and the leaders they lived under influenced the development of their differing ideologies about the governing of principalities. From Machiavelli’s experience, came, â€Å"The Prince,† a guidebook about the importance of self-preservation whenRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1534 Words   |  7 Pageswhich guided Socrates were an end all, be all for him. He did not wish to live without his search for truth. Socrates would see a Machiavellian Prince as self-centered, and void of morals. A Machiavellian prince would not appreciate the way Socrates carried himself and would see him as a challenge to his authority. Socrates would not support a Machiavellian society because most likely he would not be free to philosophize as he wished to and would not approve of the methods used by the prince. The discussionRead MoreMachiavelli Vs Plato1614 Words   |  7 PagesRowan DeGasperis Brandon Ives GVPT241 Due: 10/13/17 Socrates’ View on Machiavelli’s Ideologies Niccolà ² Machiavelli and Socrates are two thinkers who are highly regarded, respected, and renowned by today’s scholars due to their roles in shaping their separate versions of an ideal political system during their respective times of uncertainty, political fragmentation, and violence. Although their opinions vary, the men laid the foundation for present day political establishments and opened up the door forRead MoreSocrates And Niccolo Machiavelli1735 Words   |  7 PagesEssay 1: Socrates and Machiavelli Although Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli lived in different time periods, the political climate that their philosophies were founded on were very similar. The trial of Socrates began after the Peloponnesian War when the new Spartan Tyranny took over the Athenian government. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods by the Spartan government. In the eyes of the Spartan government Socrates is a gadfly because of his posing of upsettingRead MoreSocrates And Machiavelli1660 Words   |  7 Pagesworks of Socrates and Machiavelli are as polarized as the phrases â€Å"the unexamined life is not worth living† and â€Å"the ends justify the means.† The Prince by Machiavelli and The Last Days of Socrates by Plato are both crucial texts to the discussion of what makes a good political leader. Well, what makes a good political leader? Socrates would disagree with Machiavelli’s ideation of the Prince because of the immorality that he allows thi s model to have in the public sphere. However, Socrates would findRead MoreSocrates Vs. The Prince1842 Words   |  8 PagesSocrates vs. The Prince Niccolà ² Machiavelli, a Florentine philosopher and political aficionado from the 16th century and Socrates, a classical Athenian savant who lived during the 5th century B.C., are both judged as being forefathers to modern western political science and thought. The two great men both came from erratic epochs within their respective nations of Italy and Greece: wars, transitions of power, and domestic conflicts left their countries void of sustainable leadership and in desperateRead MoreThe Governing Techniques Promoted By Socrates And Machiavelli1918 Words   |  8 Pagespromoted by Socrates and Machiavelli Prompt: Machiavelli lived during a time of uncertainty, political fragmentation, and violence. For him, a focus on how to create political power that is long-lasting is critical. Indeed, Machiavelli strives to create a political system that is not characterized by violence as the means to engage in politics. Socrates, too, lived during times of war and political transition. How would Socrates view Machiavelli’s concept of a Prince? Would he find that this Prince wouldRead MoreThe Ideas Of Machiavelli And Socrates1988 Words   |  8 Pagesand Socrates have influenced the leadership styles and approaches of leaders around the world. From Stalin to the founding fathers of the United States, Machiavellian influenced motives and ideals can be seen throughout modern history. Socrates is often referred to as the founder of Western philosophy, and his teachings have been passed on to leaders over the centuries. This paper will state both the Machiavelli’s concept of a ‘Prince’, and present Socrates’ perspective on the ‘ideal’ prince. ItRead MoreMachiavelli And Socrates1976 Words   |  8 Pagesduring times of war and turmoil, both Socrates and Machiavelli use philosophy to evaluate people and politics. After seeing corruption, fragmentation and death, both philosophers developed different views. Machiavelli’s concept of a Prince includes strong stances on morality and religion. Socrates would be likel y to agree on the general ideas that Machiavelli believes a Prince should have but he would differ mainly in how they should be executed. I believe that Socrates would agree with Machiavelli that