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Political Theory: Machiavelli in the eyes of political scholars

Introduction:

Machiavelli's teachings and ideas have been the centre of debate since the time of their presentation, and individual scholars either support or oppose them, according to their own understanding of matters and the prevailing situations in their areas. Either in favor or against Machiavelli, all the scholars admit that the ideas are widely read and appreciated, and thus are significant enough to be discussed and opined. Harvey Mansfield and John Leonard are among the scholars who have presented their ideas on the work of Machiavelli, with Mansfield opposing the teachings and Leonard supporting them.

The authors who oppose the teachings of Machiavelli believe that he is rightly condemned for his philosophies and ideas presented by him have the basis in downright evil, and also support the evil. On the other hand, supporters of Machiavelli believe that the teachings are justified and are presented in the right way, just as matters ought to be.

Discussion:

Machiavelli:

Machiavelli has been the centre of attention and controversy since the publishing of his all time famous book 'The Prince'. He was an Italian philosopher, historian and humanist, who also used to write during the renaissance period. He is the founder of modern political science, as he changed the pertaining rules and gave a new dimension to the field of political sciences. He was also a play writer, diplomat and served as a civil servant in Florentine Republic, where he lived too.

Machiavelli wrote his master piece, and the main reason for his fame, 'The Prince' to gave a new dimension to political sciences. Some of the scholars severely criticize the ideas presented in the book, and they are equally appreciated by other, thus being the centre of controversy since the time of its publishing. The book presented all of Machiavelli's policies and ways to rule presented for the rulers, and all the politicians of the world have read the book, whom that is meant for. Machiavelli has presented the justification for being immoral and has allowed use of all the violent and inappropriate means to achieve one's own goals, and goes on saying that the end justifies the means (Machiavelli, 1984, Pp: 142).

Harvey Mansfield on Machiavelli:

According to Mansfield, Machiavelli was obsessed with his own ideas and has presented the same in all of his writings. He believes that Machiavelli himself was the central character of all his writings, and all his writings describe his strategies and planning that he had to execute as a prince. Mansfield says that only 'The Prince', but all other writings by Machiavelli are a shadow of his own thoughts and ideas.

Mansfield goes on describing reasons why Machiavelli is the central character of his writings, and how he has justified all the evils means of attainment of one's own goals. Machiavelli says that the minister, who is more talented and intelligent than the prince, should be well treated and must be granted all the honors, wealth along with a burden of responsibilities, ...