Description
Book SynopsisMachiavelli is usually understood as a thinker who separated morality from politics or who championed Roman, pagan morality over conventional, Christian morality. Belliotti argues, instead, that Machiavelli''s innovation is his understanding of the perhaps irresolvable moral conflicts that exist within political leaders who fulfill the duties of their offices while accepting the authority of absolute moral principles. Machiavelli is a moral pessimist who insists that politicians must ''risk their souls'' when performing their public responsibilities. Politicians and military leaders must dirty their hands in service to their constituents. This is especially the case when one strong man founds a state or reforms a corrupt state. History washes away_that is, excuses_many of the horrifying deeds that are required in such cases. Belliotti does not try to domesticate Machiavelli by picturing him as a liberal humanist inclined only toward free government. Nor does he paint him as a teacher o
Trade ReviewRecommended. * CHOICE, September 2009 *
This book unfolds in a way that intensifies an initial attraction to a work about Machiavelli and remains readable and enjoyable throughout. -- Vincent Luizzi, Texas State University-San Marcos
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 Chapter One: The Prince Chapter 5 Chapter Two: The Discourses Chapter 6 Chapter Three: Methods, Motivations, and Purposes: The Prince Chapter 7 Chapter Four: Machiavelli's Top Ten Chapter 8 Chapter Five: Ends and Means Chapter 9 Chapter Six: Machiavelli's Final Letter
