Aristotle vs Machiavelli

             Aristotle states that leaders should have moral virtues, not just have them but have the highest of it. They must have it in perfection. According to him, moral virtue is what makes them leaders. A leader is everything in a society. Without one, there is no society. Aristotle states that if you do not have a leader you are living a Barbarian life. By definition, a barbarian is a member of a people considered by those of another nation or group to have a primitive civilization. They are considered to be fierce, brutal, or cruel people. They are also considered to be insensitive and uncultured. Then it is only right for that leader to be able to conquer them, the "Barbarians" through war. Might makes right. Aristotle and Machiavelli agree on the stratification of society. For example; Ruler and subjects, parents and children, husband and wife.
             Machiavelli agrees on the stratification of society because he likes order in society. Only difference would be, that he would be prince and rule everything. Machiavelli is not all about moral virtue like Aristotle is. To Machiavelli, the prince does not have to have the highest moral virtue, he should appear to have the highest moral virtue. By appear, he is probably more leaning on the religion aspect, so he could appeal to the people. Aristotle believes that virtue is what makes them leaders. Machiavelli disagrees with that. He believes that virtue is a weakness. A leader should know how to do evil because your enemies know how to, and you should always know what your enemies are capable of for your protection.
             Machiavelli talks against liberality. He states that liberality will lead you to being despised. If you are liberal as a leader, people will try to take advantage. The people would take the kindness as a weakness. If you are giving everything away to all your subjects you become poor. If that were to happen you lose power. Machiavelli is all about power, so that is defin...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
Aristotle vs Machiavelli. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 06:08, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/28997.html