Comparing Machiavellis The Prince and Platos The...

Comparing Machiavellis The Prince and Platos The Republic 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 justice. Plato believed that a ruler could not be wholly just unless one was in a society that was also just. His state and ruler was made up to better understand the meaning of justice. It was not intended to be practiced like that of†¦show more content†¦Cruel actions by the prince should be done at once, and quickly. Then the prince should slowly reward his people with benefits so that the cruel actions may be forgotten. For injuries ought to be done all at one time, so that, being tasted less, they offend less; benefits ought to be given little by li ttle, so that the flavour of them last longer (Machiavelli 370). Cruelty, therefore, will not seem like it is committed everyday and people will soon forget if they are reassured with benefits. On the contrary, Platos idea of the ruler is almost exactly the opposite that of Machiavellis. Platos reason for his ideal ruler and state was to explain the meaning of justice. One must examine what it means for a state to be just and what it means for a person to be just to truly understand the meaning of justice. According to Socrates, if we first tried to observe justice in some larger thing that possessed it, this would make it easier to observe in a single individual. We agreed that this larger thing is a city?(Plato 96).? Plato?s ideal ruler must have a good mind, always be truthful, have knowledge and discipline, and not be afraid of death. The ruler is a philosopher that satisfies the four virtues of wisdom, courage, moderation/self-control, and justice. While the single responsibility of Machiavelli?sShow MoreRelatedSocrates And Machiavelli1961 Words   |  8 Pageswould 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 national securityRead 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 MoreTraditional and Contemporary Issues and Challenges14128 Words   |  57 PagesLaboratories cites The Second World War by Winston Churchill as a major influence on his approach to leadership. Other books often mentioned by managers for their relevance to today’s business problems include such classics as Plato’s Republic, Homer’s Iliad, and Machiavelli’s The Prince.6 And, in recent years, new business history books are directed more at women managers and the lessons they can learn from the past.7 Managers at Wells Fargo clearly recognize the value of history. For example, the company