DISCUSSION QUESTIONS The Prince |
1. Does The Prince present justice as
nothing more than the interest of the stronger? 2. What constraints on a prince’s freedom of
action does Machiavelli recognize? 3. Does Machiavelli believe that ethical
considerations have a role to play in the conduct of a prince? 4. According to Machiavelli, what roles do
fate and fortune play in human life? 5. Does Machiavelli believe that political
entities are created by human effort, or do they exist naturally? 6. In securing the state, to what extent
should a prince be motivated by the happiness of the people? 7. Why does Machiavelli believe that a prince
must be willing to use force to achieve his ends? 8. According to Machiavelli, do moral ends
justify immoral means? 9. How does Machiavelli define virtue? 10. Why does Machiavelli end his work with a plea for the House of Medici to liberate Italy? |