Plato and Machiavelli
Plato's Republic and Machiavelli's The Prince are each hugely important texts in the history of philosophy. Even though they were written approximately 1900 years apart, they represent two of the most valuable commentaries on political philosophy. They are of course, very different in their discussions of philosophy, yet some similarities are evident. Plato writes about philosophy through the mouth of Socrates, illustrating indirectly through a lengthy dialogue his own ideas and opinions. As a contrast to this method of narration, Machiavelli writes The Prince as a letter of personal advice to Lorenzo Medici. Within his work, Machiavelli makes numerous recommendations that have earned him the label of a heartless and cruel man. Plato, on the other hand, makes much of his discussion about the true nature of philosophy and the just treatment of all citizens. Despite numerous differences, Plato and Machiavelli each desire the rule of philosophers in their states, but while Plato approaches this with direct rule and education of philosopher-kings, Machiavelli appeals to manipulation and deceit in order to secure the rule of philosophers. Plato's aim in his political state is for the greatest good of all people, through the best ba
If he were obvious and blatant about declaring his desire for the philosophers to have true power while the prince is used as a means to an end, he would likely not receive much acclaim from the princes he was advising. Therefore, it is clear that Machiavelli is encouraging the choice of philosophers for the prince's ruling ministers. Through the discussion of the lion and the fox, where the lion is able to conquer others in brute strength, but the fox is able to outwit the lion every time, the reader can easily assume the philosophers as cunning foxes, and the prince as the lion. This level of deceit and desire for personal gain and wealth is very contrary to Plato's ruling philosopher. In order to ensure that these basic parts of the soul are ideally ordered, strong central rule focused upon this issue is necessary. The wisest people would then posses the first type of intelligence, and be able to grasp independent thoughts. Machiavelli does not only desire the position of ministers for the philosophers, as he insinuates that they would have a more powerful role. According to Plato, the human soul is comprised of the reasoning part, the spirited part and the appetites. Machiavelli's state is one quite different from the one outlined by Plato. The man who restored peace by imposing harsh penalties to enforce order, was in turn beheaded by the king once the job was done in order to appease the people . The rulers have been brought up in and trained in battle, and are thus are experienced in warfare and all aspects of the state, and are able to effectively govern the state. Those that are able to grasp these forms are philosophers as deemed by Plato, and those that comprehend individual and new ideas satisfy Machiavelli's criteria. One group was not favored over another, but all were given equal preference. Thus, if Machiavelli was chosen amongst the advising philosophers, he would be ensured to live very comfortably. Therefore, the philosopher rules the people and ensures their collective good, by instilling virtue and justice in the people.
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