POLI 231 Lecture : POLI 231 - Machiavelli 1
19 Dec 2011
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Document Summary
Augustinian virtue humility, kindness, mercy human goals =/= earthly goals (veil of tears) Humanism similarities to christianity asserted christian virtues and classics virtues(temperance) however, thought earthly goals can also be appropriate for human pursuits (both fortune and virtue makes it attainable) Machiavelli greatest goods = fame, honour and glory not necessary condition for glory and fame = power attainable by traditional virtues. Common masses just want to be left alone. Ruling classes want to command and oppress the people. The prince therefore must account for these two motives, and maintain stability. Humans are not intrinsically good; if political actors try to be good, without consideration for the badness of other actors, they will fail. How to live, given one lives in a polity where others are bad: political nature. Politics as warfare virtue in politics is therefore similar to virtue in warfare.
