Machiavelli’s Philosophy of Realpolitik

Machiavelli’s Philosophy of Realpolitik

Answer one of the following questions in a 4-5 page (typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins) essay. Be sure to identify which question you are answering, and be sure to use specific evidence (including quotations) from information we have covered to date (up to but NOT including this week; i.e., this exam does not cover the 18th century). You DO NOT need to conduct additional research; rather, the assignment is asking you to reflect on and make connections between the course readings.

 

1. Use Machiavelli’s philosophy of Realpolitik to discuss the period as a whole. Where do you see Machiavelli’s philosophy operating in both the history and literature we have covered so far? Does Machiavelli tell the entire story of the period, or only part of the story? Is Luther, for example, anentirelyMachiavellian figure? Cortés? If Machiavelli does not tell the whole story, then what does he leave out?

 

2. Discuss the role of contingency (the uncertain or unforeseeable) in the psychology and politics of the period. How do people (rulers, subjects, philosophers, religious leaders) fight against it, and how do they use it to manipulate others?