Machiavellian principle Unit 3: Ethical Theories

Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli[a] (3 May 1469

– 21 June 1527) was a Florentine[4][5] diplomat,
author, philosopher, and historian who lived during
the Italian Renaissance. He is best known for his
political treatise The Prince (Il Principe), written
around 1513 but not published until 1532, five years
after his death.[6] He has often been called the father
of modern political philosophy and political science.[7]

Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance political philosopher, is often associated with the notion
that "the ends justify the means," encapsulating a pragmatic and, some might argue, ruthless approach
to ethics. His most renowned work, "The Prince," provides a manual for rulers on how to acquire and
maintain power, often at the expense of conventional moral principles. However, to understand
Machiavelli’s philosophy of ethics fully, it is essential to delve deeper into his works and the
historical context in which he wrote, revealing a more nuanced perspective than the simplified
caricature of Machiavellianism.
Machiavellian principle Unit 3: Ethical Theories

Context and Background

Machiavelli wrote during a tumultuous period in Italian history marked by political fragmentation,
foreign invasions, and internal strife. The Italy of Machiavelli's time was not a unified nation but a
collection of city-states and territories frequently at war with each other. This instability profoundly
influenced his views on politics and ethics. Unlike the idealistic philosophies of his predecessors,
Machiavelli's approach was rooted in the harsh realities of political life.

Realism over Idealism

Central to Machiavelli's ethical framework is the concept of political realism. He challenged the
idealistic notions of governance that dominated the thought of his time, arguing instead for a realistic
approach that considers human nature's inherent flaws. According to Machiavelli, people are self-
interested and fickle, prone to changing their loyalties based on convenience. Therefore, a ruler must
be prepared to act immorally when necessary to maintain stability and power. This perspective is
evident in his famous assertion that it is better for a prince to be feared than loved if he cannot be both,
as fear is a more reliable means to maintain control.
Machiavellian principle Unit 3: Ethical Theories
The Morality of Consequence
Machiavelli’s ethical theory can be seen as a form of consequentialism, where the morality of an
action is determined by its outcomes. In "The Prince," he argues that actions conventionally viewed
as immoral—such as deceit, cruelty, and betrayal—can be justified if they lead to the greater good
of political stability and the preservation of the state. This does not mean that Machiavelli
dismissed ethical norms outright but rather that he believed they could be subordinated to the
demands of political necessity.

Virtù and Fortuna

Two key concepts in Machiavelli’s philosophy are virtù and fortuna. Virtù refers to the
qualities of strength, courage, and shrewdness that a ruler must possess to shape his destiny,
while fortuna represents the unpredictable forces of chance and luck. A successful ruler,
according to Machiavelli, is one who can skillfully manage fortuna through the application of
virtù. This interplay highlights his belief in the active role of human agency in overcoming
adversity and achieving political objectives, further emphasizing his pragmatic approach to
ethics.