Machiavelli – Power, Realism & The Modern State
UPSC PSIR | Western Political Thinkers | Founder of Modern Political Realism
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) was an Italian political thinker.
Major Work: The Prince
He separates politics from morality.
Politics must be understood as it is, not as it ought to be.
2️⃣ BREAK FROM CLASSICAL TRADITION
- Plato & Aristotle → Moral politics
- Machiavelli → Power politics
He marks the transition from medieval to modern political thought.
3️⃣ CONCEPT OF POWER
Power must be acquired and maintained.
Methods:
- Force
- Strategy
- Manipulation
- Pragmatism
Ends may justify means.
4️⃣ VIRTÙ & FORTUNA
Virtù = Political skill, courage, decisiveness.
Fortuna = Luck or circumstance.
Great ruler controls fortuna through virtù.
5️⃣ HUMAN NATURE
Humans are:
- Selfish
- Unreliable
- Driven by fear and desire
Therefore ruler must not rely on morality alone.
6️⃣ FEAR vs LOVE
Better to be feared than loved — if both cannot be achieved.
Fear ensures stability.
7️⃣ MACHIVELLI & STATE
Focus on strong centralized state.
Political stability over moral perfection.
MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss Machiavelli as founder of modern political realism.
- Explain virtù and fortuna.
- Is Machiavelli immoral?
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Separation of politics & morality
- Virtù vs Fortuna
- Fear vs love
- Realism
- State power
“It is better to be feared than loved.”
Shaktimatha Learning – Western Thinkers Series
No comments:
Post a Comment