Morality Vs Machiavelli - 1161 Words

Socrates, however, asserts the importance of morality and ethics in a ruler, and argues that soul craft is ideal for an effective leader. Socrates contends, â€Å"Wealth does not bring goodness, but goodness brings wealth and every other blessing, both to the individual and the state† (Apology, 30b). Indeed, in opposition to Machiavelli, Socrates asserts that following one’s intuition and making decisions based on â€Å"goodness† will never lead a ruler and his state astray. Additionally, Socrates emphasizes the importance of the laws and the profound role they play in maintaining stability in society and giving human beings an avenue for socialization. Since socialization is the method by which human beings develop cultural norms and values,†¦show more content†¦However, Socrates would still reject this Prince and a political system led by him due to the fact that the Prince acquires his power from the people. Socrates would argue that, by being dishone st to his subjects, the Prince values himself over the people. He no longer has any regard for the consent of the governed. Therefore, when the Prince no longer values the consent of the governed, the social contract between the Prince and his subjects is broken. Socrates would assert that the people have a moral obligation to rise against this Prince as he no longer makes decisions that benefit the state. Socrates asserts that a ruler will experience the most self-growth and will be able to make prudent decisions for the state only through introspection and self-realization. The ruler must realize how little he knows and how little he is truly capable of. Socrates states, â€Å"The wisest of men is he who has realized, that in respect of wisdom he is really worthless† (Apology, 23b). Indeed, Socrates asserts that the wisest of men is he who realizes how little he truly knows. Thus, he must not deceive his people with falsehoods and must strive to continue learning. In essence, Socrates argues for universality and believes all of the ruler’s subjects must be provided for, even if it requires sacrifice and hardship for the ruler. As mentioned earlier, Socrates perceives the laws as parental figures who are responsible for instilling cultural and societal values in humanShow MoreRelatedCompare And Contrast Socrates And Machiavelli1419 Words   |  6 PagesSocrates vs. Mach iavelli: The meaning of truth As philosophers, both Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli developed theories in response to the warring political environment around them. However, the theories and principles developed by the two philosophers are vastly different in regard to the concept of truth, Socrates would hate Machiavelli’s model prince due to Machiavelli’s manipulative view of truth. While Socrates desired a state that focuses on fundamental truth and ethical decisions, MachiavelliRead MoreMachiavelli And Socrates s Concept Of A Prince1811 Words   |  8 PagesLeah Brennan Professor Brandon Ives 13 October 2017 GVPT241 (0105) Soulcraft vs. Statecraft Though Machiavelli and Socrates lived in distinct states, on the heels of the Peloponnesian War in Athens to the height of the Renaissance in Florence, respectively, a few common threads bind them together. They lived in periods of uncertainty, political fragmentation, and violence, and these experiences inform and shape their beliefs about how society and government as a whole should function. Socrates respondsRead MoreSocrates Vs Machiavelli2003 Words   |  9 Pages Socrates VS Machiavelli The debate on how people should rule has been going on since the dawn of time. Many agree and many disagree but they all agree that we should have a ruling force of some kind but what and how much has been very controversial. 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Divine Law1487 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Law vs. Divine Law Morality is principles that determines the distinction between right and wrong action, or good and bad behavior. There is also a link that being moral should be determined by either human law or divine law. The play â€Å"Antigone†, by Sophocles, shows the complexity of this certain concept of morality. Antigone must determine whether she should defy King Creon’s law in order to bury her brother, Polynices, or reject her own religious beliefs in order to maintain in the King’sRead MorePolitical Theory: Comparing Locke, Rousseau and Plato Essay3770 Words   |  16 Pagesmen are naturally good and don’t want to hurt each other, doesn’t want the state of war - believes civilization is what corrupted him, save man is not concerned with materialistic values Morality: differs from locke - in the state of nature there is no reason for law, right or morality because we tend to avoid harming each other because of our natural aversion to pain and suffereing Social Contract: - must have a group that mediates the people and government - Read MoreChap 15: Europe Transformed- Reform and State Building1520 Words   |  7 Pagesenhance the military forces at their disposal * Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian who wrote The Prince, one of the most influential works on political power in the Western world. His major concerns were the acquisition, maintenance, and expansion of political powers as the means to restore and maintain order. He contradicted the approached that a ruler ought to behave based on moral principles (first Western thinkers to abandon morality for the analysis of political activity). 10. Social Changes