Machiavelli Said, “the Ends Justify the Means” Myth
Niccolò Machiavelli never said, “the ends justify the means”, although he did elude to a complex version of the concept in his Prince.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Niccolo Machiavelli is the father of modern political science. He wrote the book on political realism, and underhanded political tactics, after his political career was ended by a hereditary prince.
Consequently, Machiavelli’s book, The Prince, can be read as satire meant to teach high level political tactics to anyone other than the hereditary prince who took over the free Republic Machiavelli enjoyed in Florence.
Factoids tagged with "Niccolo Machiavelli"
Politics Can be a Science Fact
Politics can be treated as a science (political science), but it must always seek data that can be confirmed by our senses (empirical evidence).
Machiavelli’s the Prince Can be Read as Satire Fact
Many (including Rousseau) consider Machiavelli’s The Prince to be satire, expressing a preference for a free republic over a hereditary principality.
Niccolò Machiavelli is the Father of Modern Political Science Fact
Niccolò Machiavelli can be considered the father of modern political science, and his book The Prince one of the first works of modern political philosophy (if not just modern philosophy).
Saul Alinsky is the Father of Modern Community Organizing Fact
Saul Alinsky, the American community organizer and author of Rules for Radicals, can be considered the father of modern community organizing.
Blog Posts tagged with "Niccolo Machiavelli"
What is Criminal Virtue?
Criminal virtue is a concept eluded to in Machiavelli’s the Prince. It describes calculated “criminal acts” that can help one get ahead in politics.
Plato Vs. Aristotle (Politics)
Plato can be understood as the father of rationalism and political philosophy (political idealism), and Aristotle, his student, the father of empiricism and political science (political realism).
The Bed of Nails Principle
The bed of nails principle states that while laying on one nail is enough to puncture a person’s skin, laying on many distributed nails isn’t.
Political Realism Vs. Political Idealism
Political realism is dealing with politics as they are in reality, political idealism is dealing with politics as an ideal.
Blog Posts tagged with "Niccolo Machiavelli"
The Philosophy Behind the Types of Governments
The Philosophy of Governments It can be very attractive to have a list of government types, but yet that list may teach a person very little. Here instead is a look at the philosophy behind the government types that create that list. For a simpler list and look, see our page on “the types of . . . read more