Machiavelli vs Islamic political thought :: essays research papers

Machiavelli vs Islamic Political ThoughtNiccolo Machiavelli was a political realist. He thought in that location were certain skills and characteristics needed to become a political ruler. In his work, The Prince, Machiavelli gives advice on how to be a successful prince, or ruler. Successful is partly based on how powerful a ruler was during his lifetime (reign), but largely based on how much the prince affected the lives, through laws or societal norms, of future generations. Machiavelli was chiefly interested in attaining and keeping political power. He believed mess were inherently selfish and would, by nature, not respect the law or work for the gross good, without civic virtues. The only way to control these human urges was to instill national pride and mutual respect for all citizens of a state. The difference in Machiavellian thought, up to this period in history, from other philosophers was he believed political authority was no longer justified by religious or spiritua l doctrines. Although Machiavelli believed this to be true, he still knew it was important for citizens to maintain a commitment for the common good, through national pride and respect. Another aspect of differing thought up to this point in time was Machiavelli knew promoting civic virtue in citizens needed to be coupled with the pursuit of individual liberty.Machiavelli, in his writings, talks about several various regulates of government. Specifically, monarchies, aristocracies, and democracies. He was able to pick apart monarchies, establishing the difference between new and old monarchies. The new monarchies are the hard ones to maintain, because people are not suggestible to change, in fact they almost revolt against it, unless the new ruler can make good on his word and keep his promises. Machiavellis preferred form of government was the republic. A republic is a mixing of the three governments aforementioned. Having the government made up of the nobles, the elite, and the commoners establishes a set of checks and balances against one another. No one, particular grouping will be able to take control of the state again. And in fact, the people (citizens) tend to have more leverage than any other faction. Machiavelli knew people were mainly concerned about their property and well being of their family. He also knew the governments job was to protect both, in addition to portion the people prosper and follow their hearts, if you will. Machiavelli believed only certain people could become rulers, because it took a special sort of person.