Comparing Machiavelli And Plato - 1843 Words

Machiavelli and Socrates reveal strong beliefs and principles regarding the manner in which a government should operate, reflecting their ideals to their current states. Socrates emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and justice in governmental systems and Machiavelli focuses on having a determined ruler than can lead the state into success. Both men lived during a time of uncertainty and instability, desiring to change their society for the better. Socrates would view Machiavelli’s Prince as a unacceptable ruler due to Machiavelli’s emphasis on deceit and power, while Socrates bases his government ideals of justice, honesty, and morality. In The Prince and the Discourses, Machiavelli asserts his views of a political leader during a†¦show more content†¦Wisdom, justice, and honesty reflect principles that Socrates values in a positive leader. Machiavelli asserts how a Prince can be as deceitful and merciless as possible, as long as it satisfies one’s interests and gives a positive result (The Prince,35). Socrates would not agree with this principle because he values honesty within the government, calling for an end to corruption. As the courts prosecute and put him on trial, Socrates continues through all parts of this process in order to show his participation in this society, obeying the laws and refusing to put himself above all citizens. Many people claim that Socrates uses deceit when questioning, attempting to embarrass others and prove his own wit. However, Socrates denies this by claiming how his questioning serves the purpose of trying to find more wisdom and figuring out who in his society bears more wisdom than him (Apology,44b). In addition, he assures the court that he will speak in an honest manner to portray his truthfulness and sincerity to the courts and the rest of the state. During his trial, Socrates claims, â€Å"When I leave this court I shall go away condemned by you to death, but they will go away convicted by Truth herself of depravity and injustice† (Apology, 68b).His portrayal of loyalty and honesty reveal his thoughts on how political leaders should compose themselves, behaving in aShow MoreRelatedComparing Machiavelli And Plato s The Republic 1612 Words   |  7 Pagescrossfire of human’s need for individual freedoms and liberties yet their desire for structure and some form of order. Two powerful voices in this debate are those of Niccolo Machiavelli and Plato, separated by hundreds of yea rs in history the two men had differing views on the role of the government’s influence on its people. Machiavelli expresses his idea of the correct form of government in both â€Å"The Prince† and â€Å"The Discourses† in which he preaches that a government must stand strong in order for theRead MoreSimilarities Between Machiavelli And Socrates1544 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli and Socrates agree on very little. While an initial reading of the two may elicit some comparisons, the goals of their respective philosophies rely on different foundations, and would therefore culminate in very different political results for society. Socrates would likely see in the Prince a selfish ruler, while Machiavelli would see in Socrates a dangerous idealist whose ideas would lead to instability and the death of the state in which these ideas were implemented. Machiavelli’sRead MoreCompare And Contrast Socrates And Machiavelli1419 Words   |  6 Pagesvs. Machiavell i: The meaning of truth As philosophers, both Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli developed theories in response to the warring political environment around them. However, the theories and principles developed by the two philosophers are vastly different in regard to the concept of truth, Socrates would hate Machiavelli’s model prince due to Machiavelli’s manipulative view of truth. While Socrates desired a state that focuses on fundamental truth and ethical decisions, Machiavelli advocatedRead MoreSocrates And Niccolo Machiavelli1735 Words   |  7 PagesEssay 1: Socrates and Machiavelli Although Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli lived in different time periods, the political climate that their philosophies were founded on were very similar. The trial of Socrates began after the Peloponnesian War when the new Spartan Tyranny took over the Athenian government. Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth and disrespecting the gods by the Spartan government. In the eyes of the Spartan government Socrates is a gadfly because of his posing of upsettingRead More Comparing Machiavellis The Prince and Platos The Republic Essay1790 Words   |  8 PagesComparing Machiavellis The Prince and Platos The Republic  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Many people in history have written about ideal rulers and states and how to maintain them.   Perhaps the most talked about and compared are Machiavellis, The Prince and Platos, The Republic.   Machiavelli lived at a time when Italy was suffering from its political destruction.   The Prince, was written to describe the ways by which a leader may gain and maintain power. In Plato?s The Republic, he unravels the definition of justiceRead MoreHow Does Machiavelli Bring Us From A Medieval View Of Politics Of Power And Interests?1402 Words   |  6 Pagesobservations made of Greek city-states. When comparing these two influential men we should entertain the question, â€Å"would you rather be loved or feared?† Is it possible to have a fully functioning republic without fear of the consequences of disobeying laws and government? Political scientist Aristotle provided excellent work and ideas but I dub incomplete without the added works of Niccolo Machiavelli. Fur thering this discussion, what is the new road Machiavelli sets out on, how does he differ/compareRead More Comparing the Concepts of Seeming and Being in Relation to Political Power and Leadership in The Prince and The Republic2977 Words   |  12 PagesComparing the Concepts of Seeming and Being in Relation to Political Power and Leadership in The Prince and The Republic 9. Machiavelli says the prince only has to seem good, not be good. Socrates insists that seeming is bad, being is good. Is it better to remain in the cave with Machiavelli, or see the light with Socrates? Write three pages for Machiavelli and against Socrates, write another three pages against Machiavelli and for Socrates. Both Niccolà ² Machiavelli and Plato, in theirRead MoreThe Renaissance Of The European Renaissance1890 Words   |  8 Pagesoften punished by the Catholic Church, which brought about famous works like The Prince, by Niccolà ² Machiavelli, as referred to later in this paper. Renaissance leaders had similar beliefs and experiences about the overall renaissance movement and change in humanist thought, but they were not exactly the same. Three renaissance leaders of humanist thought, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Niccolà ² Machiavelli, and Thomas More all had different views on human nature, and how they portrayed mankind. Pico’sRead MoreSocrates And Machiavelli1961 Words   |  8 PagesWhat would Socrates think of Machiavelli’s political world? Socrates and Machiavelli were some of the most influential political philosophers in their respective times. Some argue that their view of empowering individuals, whether it be through free speech or ruthless fighting, are quite similar. However, their views of leadership and government do not align. Socrates’ support for free expression and due process makes his view of effective governance far different from Machiavelli’s focus on nationalRead MorePower And Authority : The Tempest Essay1597 Words   |  7 PagesScene 2). Shakespeare seems to use Antonio as a mirror for the politics of that era, and he is seen as very Machiavellian at times, as Antonio was willing to attain power by any means necessary. The influence of the political teachings of Niccolà ² Machiavelli on The Tempest are actually undeniable, and his ideals definitely shine through Antonio. It is from Prospero that we first learn of his brother’s betrayal as he is telling his daughter how they came upon the island they now reside on, which is very