Overview
This lecture explores Machiavelli as the founder of modernity, focusing on his criticisms of Christianity, his break from classical and medieval traditions, his concept of necessity and acquisition, his impact on modern politics, and his role in establishing the effectual truth as a foundation for modern science and political order.
Machiavelli’s Critique of Christianity and Tradition
- Machiavelli criticized Christianity for being both too cruel (demanding more from humans than possible) and too weak (lacking real worldly power).
- Christianity, in Machiavelli’s view, finds honor in the next world rather than this one, weakening political unity and vigor.
- Machiavelli sought to create a new, this-worldly order emphasizing human power and secular achievement.
- He admired the classical tradition for its vigor but criticized its reliance on harmony and metaphysical “goods.”
The Prince, Prophets, and The Conqueror
- The ideal leader (the prince) must combine traits of both conqueror (like Caesar) and prophet (like Christ or Muhammad).
- Machiavelli admired Muhammad as both a prophet and conqueror, seeing this combination as superior to the Christian model.
Necessity, Acquisition, and Virtue
- Machiavelli replaces the classical and Christian ideals of “the good” with the concept of necessity as the driving force behind human action and politics.
- Necessity leads to continuous acquisition—not just survival but endless pursuit of glory and honor.
- Virtue, redefined by Machiavelli, is about effective action and strength in the world rather than moral or intellectual excellence.
- Glory is the ultimate aim; material acquisition is secondary to recognition and lasting influence.
Modern Politics and Machiavelli’s Innovations
- Machiavelli introduced concepts like executive power, indirect government, party politics, and the primacy of foreign over domestic affairs.
- Modern government often disguises power as execution of higher authority (e.g., will of the people, law, or God).
- His notion of necessity in politics emphasizes perpetual competition and acquisition, discouraging complacency or pacifism.
Machiavelli as Founder of Modernity and Science
- Machiavelli is seen as the originator of the effectual truth—truth measured by practical results rather than ideals or metaphysical standards.
- This approach influenced later thinkers (e.g., Bacon) and laid groundwork for modern science, which values experimental, factual outcomes.
- He shifted the focus from eternal truths to facts, efficient causes, and rational control.
Fact, Value, and the Effectual Truth
- Machiavelli distinguished between professions/declarations (values) and deeds (facts), anticipating the modern fact-value distinction.
- Facts are seen as practical, palpable outcomes; knowledge becomes knowledge of what is real and effective.
- Experimentation and focus on extreme situations reveal the essence of things, paralleling political and scientific methods.
Legacy and Critique of Modernity
- Machiavelli’s ideas inspired classical liberalism, capitalism, and the focus on acquisition, but some critics (e.g., Tocqueville, Rousseau) saw this as leading to materialism and loss of spiritual vitality.
- The perpetual republic in Machiavellian thought is one where innovation, competition, and political change are endless and progressive.
- Machiavelli’s influence is hidden in modernity—his philosophy underlies both the structure and rationale of modern societies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Necessity — The driving force requiring individuals to act for survival, acquisition, and glory.
- Effectual Truth — Truth defined by practical, real-world results rather than theoretical ideals.
- Virtue (Machiavellian) — Effective strength in action, acquisition, and power, not traditional moral virtue.
- Executive Power — Ruling by carrying out the will of a supposed higher authority, often indirectly.
- Glory — Recognition and honor as the highest good, above material gain.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Consider reading Machiavelli’s "The Prince" and "Discourses" to explore his ideas directly.
- Review the distinction between ancient, Christian, and modern (Machiavellian) concepts of virtue and truth.
- Reflect on how necessity and acquisition shape contemporary politics and personal ambition.