For episode 14 see here
The Theory of the National State
XV. Machiavelli
A. Medieval representative system suffered eclipse
1. Growth of national unity
2. Growth of royal absolutism
3. Corresponding changes in political thought
4. Extended trade broke through localized economies:
i. led to formation of class of men of wealth and enterprise
ii. and allied with king against nobility
B. Italy of Machiavelli (early 16th century) divided and weak
C. Naked individualism of Italian republics' political life presaged modern age
of individualism
D. Writing in diplomatic tradition, Machiavelli lost sight of ends, seeing method
(politics) as its own end*
E. Saw two standards of morals
1. Ruler -- judged by success in keeping and increasing power
2. Private citizen -- judged by strength which his conduct imparts to the
social group
F. Assumed human nature is essentially selfish
1. Meant desire for security on part of the masses...
2. ... and desire for power in rulers
G. Also saw man as aggressive and acquisitive; that there are limited resources
leads to:
1. condition of continued conflict, restrained by ...
2. ... for of law, leading to ...
3. ... the power of the ruler who provides security.
4. became the political philosophy of Hobbes
H. Lawgiver constructs not only political life but also social
I. In society of egoists, only force behind law could hold society together
J. Favored popular, liberal and lawful government when possible, monarchy
when necessary
K. Was an Italian nationalist
* Note: Sabine gets Machiavelli not so much wrong as incomplete. He did not loss sight of ends -- seeing only method -- but rather sought to bring The Prince to see that the best way to maintain power was to act with prudence (and at least appear to be moral) even when using force. (The Prince was in effect a job application.) In The Discourses, Machiavelli essentially encourages the rulers towards a Republic based on law as the best way to ensure stability.
Next week: The Early Protestant Reformers
The Theory of the National State
XV. Machiavelli
A. Medieval representative system suffered eclipse
1. Growth of national unity
2. Growth of royal absolutism
3. Corresponding changes in political thought
4. Extended trade broke through localized economies:
i. led to formation of class of men of wealth and enterprise
ii. and allied with king against nobility
B. Italy of Machiavelli (early 16th century) divided and weak
C. Naked individualism of Italian republics' political life presaged modern age
of individualism
D. Writing in diplomatic tradition, Machiavelli lost sight of ends, seeing method
(politics) as its own end*
E. Saw two standards of morals
1. Ruler -- judged by success in keeping and increasing power
2. Private citizen -- judged by strength which his conduct imparts to the
social group
F. Assumed human nature is essentially selfish
1. Meant desire for security on part of the masses...
2. ... and desire for power in rulers
G. Also saw man as aggressive and acquisitive; that there are limited resources
leads to:
1. condition of continued conflict, restrained by ...
2. ... for of law, leading to ...
3. ... the power of the ruler who provides security.
4. became the political philosophy of Hobbes
H. Lawgiver constructs not only political life but also social
I. In society of egoists, only force behind law could hold society together
J. Favored popular, liberal and lawful government when possible, monarchy
when necessary
K. Was an Italian nationalist
* Note: Sabine gets Machiavelli not so much wrong as incomplete. He did not loss sight of ends -- seeing only method -- but rather sought to bring The Prince to see that the best way to maintain power was to act with prudence (and at least appear to be moral) even when using force. (The Prince was in effect a job application.) In The Discourses, Machiavelli essentially encourages the rulers towards a Republic based on law as the best way to ensure stability.
Next week: The Early Protestant Reformers
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