Machiavelli's The Prince
Examples can be one of the best ways to support a claim but they are more effective when they are not used as the sole foundation of an argument. Several people may experience the same event, yet offer contradictory interpretations based on their observations. In Machiavelli's The Prince, Machiavelli gives an extended analysis of how to acquire and maintain political power and justifies his claims with examples from the political and social events of his time, as well as events from ancient history. His primary rhetorical tactic includes the use of single instances as a standard rule to apply to all situations universally. As a result, Machiavelli often provides principles and standards, only to have to make revisions in them later. Despite this deficiency, Machiavelli uses various techniques, which allow him to present his argument in such a way that makes him and his claims appear to have a strong foundation. Before Machiavelli can begin expressing his ideas, he must convince Lorenzo de Medici that his ideas are worth being heard. This in itself requires a rhetorical device. Machiavelli's initial persuasion tactic is to present his advice in the form of a gift because this is the only manner in which a Prince will acc
In his opinion, a ruler should be stingy as opposed to generous, and cruel as opposed to merciful. " Yet, can Machiavelli truly prove that their thrifty conduct had anything to do with their success, especially when a few lines later he mentions Cesare Borgia who was generous and according to him, successful? Nonetheless, Machiavelli dismisses this example saying if Borgia would have lived longer after he established his enterprise, his generosity would have ruined him. Along with the use of examples is the assumption that the examples are superior enough to apply in all situations. Machiavelli then uses historical examples from Italian politics in The Prince to reinforce the credibility of his argument. After Machiavelli has captured Lorenzo's attention, he uses a myriad of examples in The Prince to make him appear more knowledgeable and to help build his credibility. Yet when Machiavelli includes the example of Pandolfo Pertrucci, a ruler who was able to obtain more support from a suspect group of people in his government than from those whom he trusted, his argument becomes more convincing. He successfully builds an argument that is beyond scrutiny because every time that a situation does not fit one of his claims, he labels it as an exception. "Generalization is impossible, because circumstances vary. If Machiavelli had not approached his goal in this subtle manner, it may have caused Lorenzo to take a defensive stance and to disregard the entire letter. Machiavelli is not consistent throughout his letter because, on the one hand, he praises Borgia for his cruel actions, yet on the other hand, he criticizes Agathocles and Oliverotto for their malicious crimes. He should go to any extent to enhance his reputation and to better his personal interest. Machiavelli then humbles himself in order to facilitate the Prince's acceptance of his gift. This is evident in the manner in which Borgia lured his enemies to Senigaglia to have them slaughtered. With the incorporation of various examples for each of the topics that he talks about, he develops a strong sense of authority that leaves the audience little room to question his argument. For instance, throughout his letter, Machiavelli lists several qualities that he feels great rulers should possess.
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