Is the phrase the ends justify the means a useful summary of Machiavellis The Prince
In Machiavelli's 'The Prince' it would appear, at first, that Machiavelli is advancing the argument that 'the ends justify the means'. However, I am unsure that this is a useful summary of 'The Prince' and that it may be an over simplification and even a misunderstanding.'The Prince' has been condemned for promoting fraud, force, and immorality in politics, justifying the use of evil means by a beneficial end. It has also been associated with corrupt, totalitarian government. Indeed the word Machiavellian refers to cunning, amoral, corrupt opportunistic political practices. 'The Prince' was even put on the papal Index of Prohibited Books in 1559 for its lack of conventional morality. This apparent lack of principles appears to be best demonstrated in Machiavelli's examples; Cesare Borgia, Agothocles and Oliverotto. Machiavelli in chapter 7 appears to celebrate Cesare Borgia's policy of having his own minister executed and displayed to absolve him of any cruelty. Having expl
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Approximate Word count = 666
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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