TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A GENERAL INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER - 1 THE LENS OF NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI

1.1 The Political Scenario of His Age

1.1.1 Background of Niccolo Machivelli

1.1.2 Overview of Machivelli’s Political Theories
1.1.3 Machivelli’s Impact and Legacy

1.2 The Period of Renaissance

1.2.1 Background of Renaissance Period

1.2.2 Historical and Intellectual Context of Renaissance
1.2.3 Political and Social Climate of Renaissance Italy
1.2.4 The Republics of Renaissance Italy
1.2.5 Reflection on the Significance of Machivelli’s Ideas in the Context of the
Renaissance

1.3 Machiavelli’s Concentration on Politics and People

1.3.1 The Role of Politics in Society and Governance

1.3.2 The Importance of People in Politics
1.3.3 The Views on Public Opinion and Perception
1.3.4 His Views on Gaining and Maintaining Public Power
 1.4 The Ideal Traits of A Political Leader
1.4.1 Understanding Machivelli’s Concept of Leadership
1.4.2 Machivelli’s Definition for A Successful Political Leader
1.4.3 The Views on Prudence and Adaptability
1.4.4 The Role of Virtue and Fortune in Political Leadership
1.4.5 His Perspective on the Relationship between the Leader and the People
1.4.6 Critiques and Challenges to Political Leadership

CHAPTER TWO: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF MACHIVELLI

2.1 Characteristics

2.1.1 Analysis of Machiavelli’s Personality and Character traits

2.1.2 The Pragmatic Approach

2.1.3 His Emphasis on Realism and Practicality

2.2 The Prince in Detail

2.2.1 Dedication and Preface

2.2.2 The Different types of Principalities and how they are acquired

2.2.2.1 Hereditary Principalities vs New Principalities

2.2.2.2 Mixed Principalities and the Rule

2.2.2.3 The Civil Principalities

2.2.3 The Role of Fortune in Human Affairs

2.2.4 The Importance of Being Cautious

2.2.5 The Role of Reputation

2.3 Achievements and Outcomes

2.3.1 Diplomatic Career

2.3.1.1 Diplomatic Missions and Negotiations on behalf of Florence

2.3.1.2 Interactions with Prominent Figures of the Time

2.3.1.3 Appointment as Secretary of the Republic of Florence

2.3.2 Discourse on Livy

2.3.2.1 Themes and Ideas Explored

2.3.2.2 Impact on Republican Political Theory

2.3.3 Military Services

2.3.3.1 Role of Defense of Florence

2.3.3.2 Military Reforms and Strategies

2.3.4 Political Career

2.3.4.1 Involvement in Florentine Politics and Government

2.3.4.2 Advocacy for a strong and Unified Italian State

2.3.4.3 Influence on Political Decision making and Policies

2.3.4.4 Controversies and Debates on Machivelli’s Ideas

2.3.5 Enduring Influence on Political Philosophy and a Real Philosopher

CHAPTER 3 THE INFULENCE AND CRITIQUES OF WESTERN POLITICAL IDEAS
ON MACHIVELLI’S POLITICS

3.1 Influence of Machiavelli on Western Philosophers

3.1.1 Thomas Hobbes

3.1.1.1 The State of Nature

3.1.1.2 The Foundations of Political Realism

3.1.2 Max Weber

3.1.2.1 The Theory of Bureaucracy

3.1.2.2 Rationalization

3.1.3 Michel Foucault

3.1.3.1 Power and Knowledge

3.1.3.2 Disciplinary Society

3.1.4 Antonio Gramsci

3.1.4.1 Hegemony

3.1.4.2 Cultural Politics

3.2 The Criticism of Philosophers on Machiavelli

3.2.1 Jean- Jacques Rousseau on Machiavelli’s amoralism

3.2.2 Immanuel Kant’s Critic on Machiavelli’s ethical frame work

3.2.3 Hannah Ardent’s analysis of Machiavelli’s neglect of Political Virtue

3.2.4 Karl Popper’s Critic of Machiavelli’s lack of democratic Principles

3.2.5 Friedrich Nietzsche’s Critic of Machiavelli’s Manipulative Power Politics