Socrates And Machiavelli s Views On Politics - 1464 Words

Socrates and Machiavelli both lived during times of war and political transition. While both philosophers present a then-radical ideology to reform their state, they differed greatly on how to achieve that end: Socrates practiced idealism, while Machiavelli advocated for realism. Their differences of their beliefs are rooted in a conflicting perception of morality. Socrates believes morality is based on an individual’s attainment of goodness and truth, while Machiavelli concerns himself with a leader’s achievement of glory and honor. Because of their moral differences, Socrates would oppose Machiavelli’s concept of a prince and the political system he sought to sustain him. To start, Machiavelli’s realist morality follows a form of†¦show more content†¦Knowing full well that he could have bargained for a lesser sentence by proposing exile, among other punishments, Socrates refused, believing that it would not allow him to lead a life worth living: â€Å"†¦as I am convinced that I never wronged another, I will assuredly not wrong myself. I will not say of myself that I deserve any evil, or propose any penalty†¦if I say exile what a life should I lead (Apology, p. 72).† So far, both Socrates’ and Machiavelli’s moralities are in conflict. If Socrates supported the concept of a prince, he would have heeded Machiavelli’s advice by proposing an alternative punishment to escape death. He would have done so because Machiavelli envisioned a proactive prince who would take advantage of any opportunity to come out on top. A Machiavellian prince in Socrates’ shoes would have proposed self-censorship and imprisonment as a plea bargain to the court, or would have escaped prison with Crito, all strategies which Socrates vehemently rejected. To Socrates, the end – living – did not justify the means – giving up his idealistic beliefs. Throughout The Prince, Machiavelli advises that a prince should secure power though a combination of fear, deception, cruelty, cunning, and immoral actions, including the execution of political opponents. These negative traits branch out of Machiavelli’s mantra, that â€Å"it is far safer to be feared than loved if you cannot be both (Prince, p. 151).† To combat the immoral perception ofShow MoreRelatedSocrates And Niccolo Machiavelli1735 Words   |  7 PagesEssay 1: Socrates and Machiavelli Although Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli lived in different time periods, the political climate that their philosophies were founded on were very similar. 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