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Contributions to Political Science
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- Themes in Machiavelli s Philosophy
- Criticism and analysis
Contributions to Political ScienceIn some ways, it is a disservice to the philosophy of Machiavelli that he is generally remembered only as a proponent of underhanded ruling. He actually offered several other remarkable and progressive political theories such as the separation of church and state and a governmental system that included checks and balances. Ultimately, Machiavelli was a pragmatist. He believed that whatever tactics served to ensure a successful and strong government were justified. Understanding this practical philosophy, it is easy to see why he would urge rulers to maintain their control by cunning, shrewdness, and force. Machiavelli was one of the first political theorists to remove the issue of morality from political thought. As Hundersmarck remarked, “He does not let traditional questions of morality deter the ruler from proper action.”3 While he may not have created the notion that politics could be an instrument for the public good, Machiavelli was the first to place it on a scientific basis. His concept of a political society as a collective body possessing its own laws of existence was new. Previously, the methods by which people were ruled in a country were decided by the ‘divine right of Kings.” Machiavelli’s philosophy contradicted this type of government. He believed the best form of government was an administration in which the great mass of people held the controlling power, a concept which has come to be accepted by practically all modern nations, but was revolutionary during his day. Themes in Machiavelli s PhilosophyAn underlying theme in Machiavelli’s political philosophy can be characterized as patriotism. In all his writings, he always supported Italy and believed that preserving the country justified the use of force. Ultimately, he supported whatever means were necessary to maintain the government.
Scholars believe that in this sense, Machiavelli uses the term to refer to activity, rather than qualities. In other words, virt is activity that brings honor and glory to the leader.6 It should be noted, that although Machiavelli offered strong and specific advice to rulers about how to maintain power, he never intended leaders to use such means to advance their own causes. On the contrary, Machiavelli, believed that such actions should benefit the State, not the leader personally. According to scholar Dorothy Muir, Machiavelli “held that force and fraud could be employed in the service of the State, because he believed the State was necessary to the development of mankind.”7 While Machiavelli devoted much of his writing to leaders and heads of government, he also wrote extensively about the condition of society. Despite his reputation as an advocate of ruthless leaders, he was a firm believer in self-determination and liberty for all people. A closer look at his writings shows that his love of freedom is consistent, not contradictory to his philosophy. Because he favored self-determination, he thought that republicanism was the form of government that would ensure such freedom. Criticism and analysisFirst and foremost, Machiavelli is accused of supporting morally reprehensible acts: shrewdness, deceit, cunningness, violence. His critics can easily point out passages in his writing that indeed describe these actions. However, in Machiavelli’s defense, he provided explanations and justifications for using despicable vices. Beyond the typical criticism associated with ‘Machiavellianism7 there are those—especially during the Renaissance period—who have loudly criticized his opposition to Christianity. For example the German philosopher Fichte was a staunch opponent to Machiavelli’s opinions on religion. Penman notes that two of Machiavelli’s works, The Discourses and the Art of War, include harsh commentary on the corruption of the Catholic Church and the overall weakness of the Christian religion as a ‘source of weakness to the state.” 8 Ironically, even though Machiavelli was critical of the Catholic Church, he was actually a devoted Christian, and is believed to have received the last rites upon his death.9 Conclusion When the political contributions of Niccolö Machiavelli are unbiasedly examined, it is apparent that he has influenced many modem governments. Yet, despite these positive aspects of his philosophy, it is a shame he is remembered only for a small portion of his political thought As noted by historian Dorothy Muir, he was a “steady honourable civil servant of Florence, a man with years of public service to his credit, a citizen whose whole life was inspired by patriotism, and who scarified his worldly prospects for his beliefs.”10
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