rhetoric quiz 1

"The Prince is a concise statement of Machiavell's belief that classical and Christian political theory is unworkable in a world that defines politics as the exercise of power and the struggle for power. It is also implicitly a rejection of a nihilistic counterethic, that only power and brute force matter."

Machiavelli believes that it is impossible for the Christian political theory to work. Machiavelli believes in doing anything and everything that will keep in the driver seat of your nation. He says that what is good for the nation has no ethical or moral implications. He also believes that it is best to be feared by your men rather than loved. He considers the appearance of being religious as the most powerful quality in politics, whether you fulfill what you preach or do the complete opposite. As a Christian, we are one hundred percent against hypocrisy and deceit, especially when it is used to gain authority or reign over men. However, a Christian prince would not only love his men, but also respect his enemies. he would support peace and do his best to find detours around war and confrontations. A Christian ruler would also care about the opinions of his men rather than how gaining more power. Machiavelli certainly believes in using a brute force. He reminds us several times, that a prince needs to do whatever it takes to remain in control. Whether it be killing your neighbors or tricking your own men by being generous.

rhetoric quiz

Machiavelli Quiz

"The Prince is a concise statement of Machiavell's belief that classical and Christian political theory is unworkable in a world that defines politics as the exercise of power and the struggle for power. It is also implicitly a rejection of a nihilistic counterethic, that only power and brute force matter."

Discuss to what extent you agree or disagree with this statement. What evidence can you bring to support your position?

1. (Dante Germino, Machiavelli to Marx: Modern Western Political Thought, p. 32)