Reading Questions
W 17 Nov
Machiavelli, The Prince
1) Outline
Try to outline the work. What are the major parts of the treatise?
2) Terms
What does M. mean by "fortune" (fortuna)? "virtue" (virtu)?
"state"
(stato)? "prince" (principe)? "liberty" (liberta)?
Be aware that some of these terms have more than one meaning. Is
"virtue" the same for everyone? What does M. set up in opposition to
"fortune"?
3) Message
What defines the ideal ruler? The ideal state? What is the role in The
Prince of appearance? fear? deception? "the good"? God?
4) Tradition
What would M. have to say to Cicero? to Augustine? to Marsilius?