Question and answer

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Name of the student
Name of the university
Authors notes

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Read Scenario 1. What advice would Machiavelli give to the Prince? How would he
justify it? Quote from Machiavelli in support of your argument.
Niccolo Machiavelli born in 1469 lived in the period of Renaissance, this period is
known as the age of exploration as this age was characterised rediscovery of art and
literature. Machiavelli wrote this book “The Prince”, when he was realised from the Second
Chancery of the Republican of Florence (Machiavelli 2008). His work has a paramount
potential because it is considered to be the of the first work of modern philosophy,
streamlined to political philosophy. This book encapsulates a practical guide for ruling not in
abstract terms but more of practical logic. In the first chapter, the author describes various
types of principalities and princes, and then he shows hoe different types of composite
personality can be maintained. One of the quality which is quintessential for a prince is to be
generous. Generous only in terms of resources that is not his, such as material that is brought
from war (Machiavelli 2008). Machiavelli also states that it is very important for prince to
maintain appearance according to the demand of the situation, for which he needs to grow
comprehension power. Therefore, prudence is an integral quality that needs to be inculcated
for gaining popularity within his subjects. In this way, Machiavelli, states the importance of
impression management, rather than what one think one oneself. In Chapter 18, he states, “a
prince... cannot observe all things which give men a reputation for virtue, because in order to
maintain his state he is often forced to act in defiance of good faith, of charity, of kindness, of
religion.” (Prince, Ch.18, p.101). Therefore it becomes evident Machiavelli, embarks his
journey to create a new morality that is remised on the naturalistic values, it is related to the
trait theory of leadership. In this piece of writing, Machiavelli, shows concerns about being
practical, devoid of any ethical consideration (Machiavelli 2008). As he states, “At this point
one may note that men must be either pampered or annihilated. They avenge light offenses:
they cannot avenge severe ones: hence, the harm one does to a man, a must be such as to

Running head: Question and answer
obviate any fear of revenge” (Machiavelli 2008). According to him, prince must realise that
he has two option; benevolence and destruction. It is very important for prince to choose his
option very wisely because it important to avoid resentment a d feeling of pity and
compassion are meaningless. Thus self-interest ad self-protection can be motivating factor of
pence, therefore the rice shall act wisely and practically.
How does Thomas Hobbes justify obedience to the law? Does he believe that we are
morally obliged to obey the law? Quote from Hobbes in support of your argument.
The seventeenth century was a time of great upheaval in England; it was the rise of
the newer bases of political author and government legitimacy, which will be premised, on
the rational thoughts. Society was progressing from faith-based society to reason based
society. Religion was one of the primary source that united the people of Europe; however, it
was also the main factor that caused tension in the mediaeval Europe. Thomas Hobbes was of
the opinion that human beings have determinist nature because he sees that every action if
calculated by estimating its possible cause and effect impact. Thus, human action is directed
to self-preservation and self-satisfaction, which is why he or she is not able to decide the
moral implication behind their own action. In the work of Leviathan (1651), Hobbes states
the social contract theory, where he describes the ideal way of political obligation. According
to him, every person has his or her own way to exercise freedom of expression, no amount to
governance can influence that, but except for law of nature (Hobbes 2006). However he also
states that being in the under nature of law one will also be in state of war for “Restless desire
for Power after Power”. Thus it is very important to submit oneself to the independent
sovereign body which will exercise power to make enforce and interpret laws. This form of
social contract is referred as “Sovereignty by institution” (Hobbes 2006). Therefore, when
they have consent they have the obligation to obey the sovereign. Hobbes aimed his