Question

Why do you think Machiavelli in the book "The Prince and the Discourses" is supporting a political perspective that, at the very least, encourages absolute authority along with cruelty and fear? On what idea of human nature is this judgment based? The final quote (on p. 66) "the end justifies the means" is one of the most famous in the book: what does that entail?

Answer 1

Feeling of hate is very harmful for any society. There may be feelings of fear which keeps the people in line. If a ruler is there whose fear persists in society and due to that fear people are following rules and regulations then people may not love their ruler but if they start hating ruler then it will create bigger problem.

There is a big difference between the feelings of "not loved" and "hatred". Hate should not exist in society. If strict rules are bring prosperity to society then those rules can not be claimed unethical. If the end of any action is proving fruitful then that action will be claimed as right and appropriate.

If ends are good then only action can be declared as justified. Immoral actions can not be justified in action. Some people say that if a ruler is cruel and favors murders of innocent people then this act can not be claimed as right.

Strict imposition of rules can be claimed as right but that only up-to a certain extent. End results should contain positive nature. There were strict rules in Taliban and those rules were beyond morality. This was the reason that Taliban faced an extreme downfall.

Countries with strict but justified rules and regulations are the developed countries of present time. Everything should be in proportionate amount which can ensure positive end results.