SEMESTER V:WESTERN

POLITICAL THOUGHT
MODULE1:MODERN STATE
NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI[1469-1527]
1.Machiavelli is considered as the first modern political
thinker and a founder of the modern state.
2.He was the first exponent of power politics and modern
state.
3.His ideas of human nature, state’s self –interest and power
politics are a clear indication of his realistic thought.
4.He contributed to a realistic and a value-free politics of the
state.
MEDIEVAL AGE

The period between 500 A.D. to 1450

A.D. is known as medieval age in
Europe.

After the ruin of the Roman Empire

feudal state emerge and prevailed in
the Europe till the end of fifteen
century which was example of arbitrary
rule.

The church emerged as the superior

authority.
 ITALY IN 15th CENTURY

There were a number of This political division make

Italy was facing political
small states but Italy weak, neighbouring Out of this experience his
chaos due to corruption and Machiavelli witnessed the
independent states in Italy, states of Italy took political philosophy of the
selfishness of Italian rulers tragedy of his country.
which were constant advantage and invaded Italy state emerged.
and church officials.
struggle with one another. and defeated Medici rulers.
Machiavell’s books:

The Prince

The Discourse

The Art of War

Machivelli’s Theory of State

State is
supreme
superior.

State is non-
Growth of
religious and
nationalism.
secular.

Strong and
powerful
state.
M’s justification for a powerful state
Experience of Italian politics as
an ambassador and secretary.

Influenced by the new spirit of

Renaissance.

Plight of Italy.

Drawback of medieval age.

Central theme of powerful

state.
The Prince

State is a
sovereign ,au
tonomous
The doctrine and a non- Use double
of “Raison-D- religious standards of Maintain
Etat”. institution. morality. strong army.

End justifies A prince must Favour

the means. combine the despotic rule.
qualities of a
lion and a
fox.
The Prince

Win the
popularity of
his people Ordered
and not Separate state;
Advocated touch their politics from Reform the
imperialism. property. emotions. government

Human Council of Remain free Prince

nature is low wise men from should be
and and not of emotions. feared than
ungrateful. flatterers. loved.
State is supreme over all
Machiavelli completely divorced
religion from politics.

He laid the foundation of secular

state.

He repudiated the theory of

Aquinas that man needs the
guidance of the divine law.

He belived that politics is an

independent activity with its own
principles and laws.
Machiavelli divided public and private
morality

Plato and A ruler has

Aristotle Machiavelli There is vital primary duty
Morality is
believed in completely difference Morality is of preserving
essential for Ruler is the
moral nature disregarded between the above both – the state,he
people but not creator of law.
and ethical this view of ruler and the law and ruler. may use any
for a ruler.
ends of the the state. citizens. means to
state. achieve that.
Machiavelli used religion as an instrument

He wanted religion and church as

an instrument for creating
Prince must preserve the purity
national customs and Decline of respect for religion
of all religious observances and Common religion creates a sense
habits,national thought which among the people was an
treat them with proper of unity among people.
will help the state in preserving indication of ruin for the state.
reverence.
peace and order and maintaining
the stability of society.
Thank you…