Socrates Vs. The Prince - 1842 Words

Socrates vs. The Prince Niccolà ² Machiavelli, a Florentine philosopher and political aficionado from the 16th century and Socrates, a classical Athenian savant who lived during the 5th century B.C., are both judged as being forefathers to modern western political science and thought. The two great men both came from erratic epochs within their respective nations of Italy and Greece: wars, transitions of power, and domestic conflicts left their countries void of sustainable leadership and in desperate need of a brighter future. But despite being from equally hopeless times, their theories on how their societies (and ultimately, future ones) should function in order to prosper, are divergent. In this essay, I will argue that Socrates would†¦show more content†¦He explains that, â€Å"...a natural difficulty which exists in all new dominions, because men change masters willingly, hoping to better themselves; and this belief makes them take arms against their rulers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Machiavelli 6). H ence, in order to be an effective ruler, a prince must overcome the aforementioned challenge. Moreover, he must also be pragmatic, unbound to moral consciousness or traditional scruples, heavy-handed, sleuth, defend his state with a domestic military (as mercenaries only provoke the weakening of a state), and take whatever lengths he must to solidify his strength and capabilities to rule, brutality being a welcomed measure so long as the â€Å"ends justify the means†, while also not oppressing the people. Socrates, a Greek philosopher often credited as being the â€Å"father of free speech†, would mostly likely disagree with Machiavelli’s perspective. Socrates is renowned as being a free thinker who was unafraid of questioning authority and making even the wisest men, leaders and commoners alike, unsure of their intelligence. He is sure of his talent, â€Å"...by a skillful speaker they mean one who speaks the truth. If that is what they mean, I would agree tha t I am an orator†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Plato 25b). Socrates firmly believes in the power of subjective thought rather than pragmatism, as he always deliberates on what he calls the â€Å"unexamined life†, which in his opinion, is not worth living. Therefore, pragmatism, which is preferred by Machiavelli, is not his desired means ofShow MoreRelatedCompare And Contrast Socrates And Machiavelli1419 Words   |  6 PagesSocrates vs. Machiavelli: The meaning of truth As philosophers, both Socrates and Niccolo Machiavelli developed theories in response to the warring political environment around them. However, the theories and principles developed by the two philosophers are vastly different in regard to the concept of truth, Socrates would hate Machiavelli’s model prince due to Machiavelli’s manipulative view of truth. While Socrates desired a state that focuses on fundamental truth and ethical decisions, MachiavelliRead MoreEssay about Comparison of Socrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha 880 Words   |  4 PagesSocrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha have many similarities; they both believe in the importance of justice and good, and a simpler way of life. However, they have different goals: Socrates concerns with worldly meanings and codes, he deals with truth and morals. Buddha concerns with attaining the outer-worldly through mastering the worldly. Socrates relinquishes sensual desires in hopes of spiritual rebirth after deat h and achieving enlightenment in life. 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