Machiavelli: Moral Philosopher, Amoral Political Scientist or Immoral Worshiper of Power - Essay Example

He became a chancellor and secretary to the ‘Dieci di Liberta e Pace’ for 14 years. He then lost the position in the fall of the Republic in 1512. After this time, Machiavelli still focused on the things that must be done to bring back peace and stability to his country. He directed all of his passion in writing and thus result The Prince which was written in 1513 and was dedicated to Lorenzo de Medici (Machiavelli and Goodwin Editor’s Note 7, 16-19). The Prince became the most controversial of all of his works due to the strong point of view that this book possesses.

It slaps a heard reality onto readers which makes them hard to accept the concepts presented in the book. The word Machiavellian was born out from this book which is connected to the character or trait the said prince should have in order to rule properly. This book in which its meaning is disputed for generations, evokes an idea on what Machiavelli really is; A moral philosopher, an amoral political scientist, or an immoral worshiper of power (Machiavelli and Goodwin Editor’s Note 7). On a personal note, Machiavelli would be better described as an amoral political scientist. . Machiavelli’s The Prince, implies the idea of the ends justifies the means wherein the ends or goals in politics which were stated in the early part of the book revolves around; the acquisition of principalities, having a strong military army, developing a strong relationship with the nation’s internal and external affairs, acquiring strong personality preferring cruelty over compassion.

He states all of these with great focus on the political aspects and what these certain actions will do to the principalities and its populace that he undermines the outcome regardless of the fact that such result may be detrimental to the welfare of the people. Different statements in the book depict the amorality of Machiavelli’s views. One of which is the view regarding “…those who rise by nefarious or villainous means … without arguing the merits of the cases, because in cases of necessity, I judge it simply expedient to imitate them” (Machiavelli, 59).

In this statement, the author gives an approval to mimic a certain person known as the Tyrant of Syracuse that rose to princedom using villainy. Even though he is known for his notorious acts and villainous deeds, Machiavelli saw through all of it and admired the virtue of the prince in terms of overcoming dangers and obstacles. In the idea of “the ends justifies the means,” it is depicted in the book that to reach the end point or the highest standard in politics one must follow the direction that the book stated and that any means necessary to reach that end point would be justifiable.

Regarding the said view, it was stated in the editor’s note that Machiavelli’s work