DISCOURSES ON LIVY | Machiavelli's REAL Opinions

Summary

Dr. Moore explores Machiavelli's 'Discourses on Livy,' offering a nuanced view of the political thinker. He challenges the common 'Machiavellian' stereotype, emphasizing Machiavelli's aim to benefit society through innovative political strategies rooted in ancient wisdom. The discussion delves into the Florentine's complex relationship with religion, his belief in the necessity of state religion, and his controversial views on the cyclical nature of political regimes, advocating for robust institutions over individual rulers to ensure stability and the common good.

Takeaways

• 📚 Machiavelli's work is often misunderstood, with 'The Prince' overshadowing his more comprehensive 'Discourses on Livy', which offers a nuanced view of his political philosophy.
• 🔍 Dr. Moore suggests that Machiavelli's intent was to help people by proposing political structures that could bring about common benefit, contrary to his reputation for advocating deceit and violence.
• 🕊️ Machiavelli believed in looking to ancient, pre-Christian models to innovate and move politics forward, breaking away from the Christian conventions of his time.
• 🌏 He emphasized the importance of understanding both contemporary and ancient politics, using an analysis of Livy's 'Histories of Rome' as a foundation for his political theories.
• 🧐 The script discusses the concept of 'Machiavellianism', which is often associated with unscrupulous tactics in politics, a notion derived primarily from 'The Prince'.
• 🕰️ It is suggested that Machiavelli's work took considerable time to write, with 'The Prince' and 'Discourses on Livy' possibly being worked on concurrently.
• 💭 The opening of 'Discourses on Livy' addresses human envy and the blame-oriented nature of mankind, which Machiavelli sees as a challenge to introducing new political orders.
• 🌐 Machiavelli's political philosophy is rooted in a deep skepticism about the relationship between politics and metaphysics, particularly questioning divine involvement in human affairs.
• 🏛️ He advocates for a republican form of government that combines elements of principality, aristocracy, and popular rule to create a balanced and stable political system.
• 🛡️ The script highlights Machiavelli's focus on institutions over individuals for the sake of political stability and longevity, recognizing the mortality and fallibility of individual rulers.
• ⛪️ Religion plays a significant role in Machiavelli's thought, with the belief that a state religion can instill virtue and maintain social order, although he criticizes Christianity as practiced in the 16th century.
• 🛑 Machiavelli's discourses also touch on the potential for decline in political systems and the need for extraordinary measures, including violence, to restore order when institutions fail.

Q & A

What is the primary misconception about Machiavelli based on his most famous work, 'The Prince'?

The primary misconception is that Machiavelli is synonymous with deception, ambition, trickery, and violence, which is often referred to as 'Machiavellianism'. This idea comes from 'The Prince', but the script suggests that 'The Discourses' provides a more nuanced view of Machiavelli's thoughts.

Why does Machiavelli choose to write about politics through an interpretation of Livy's 'Histories of Rome'?

Machiavelli uses Livy's 'Histories of Rome' as a way to go back to the ancient, pre-Christian world. This allows him to break out of the Christian conventions and premises of his time, enabling him to think about politics in new ways and innovate.

What is the significance of the opening paragraph of 'The Discourses' in relation to Machiavelli's approach to politics?

The opening paragraph of 'The Discourses' introduces the idea of Machiavelli as an explorer charting a new course for politics. It suggests that he is driven by a desire to work for the common benefit of everyone, despite the potential for envy and blame from others.

How does Machiavelli's view on human nature influence his approach to lawmaking?

Machiavelli believes that lawmakers should presuppose that all people are bad and will act on their malignity when given the opportunity. This view is based on the belief that people, when free to choose, often act in anti-social and self-interested ways, which should be considered when creating laws.

What is Machiavelli's perspective on the relationship between politics and metaphysics?

Machiavelli seems to doubt the relationship between politics and metaphysics. He does not believe that God involves Himself in human politics, and that divine intervention does not necessarily reward just and prudent actions or punish the wicked and sinful in politics.

Why does Machiavelli argue that Christianity, as practiced in the 16th century, is politically problematic?

Machiavelli believes that the version of Christianity practiced in the 16th century may not function well as a state religion due to its teachings and practices, which could be at odds with the political stability and success he envisions.

What does Machiavelli propose as the solution to prevent regimes from collapsing into their vicious forms?

Machiavelli proposes republicanism as the solution. He suggests that a well-ordered republic combines elements of principality, aristocracy, and popular rule, with each serving as a check on the others, preventing any one group or office from dominating.

How does Machiavelli view the importance of institutions in maintaining political stability?

Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of institutions over individuals because institutions provide stability that outlasts the mortality of any one person, especially a ruler. He believes that institutions, including state religion, are crucial for the longevity and stability of a regime.

What is Machiavelli's critique of Julius Caesar in the context of 'The Discourses'?

Machiavelli criticizes Julius Caesar for attempting to overthrow the Roman Republic and install a dictatorship. He argues that Caesar's actions led to the decline of institutions and the rise of hereditary monarchy, which is subject to the whims of fortune and not conducive to long-term political stability.

How does Machiavelli address the issue of political decline and the potential need for extraordinary measures to restore order?

Machiavelli acknowledges that political decline may require extraordinary measures, such as the actions of a strong leader or the refounding of a state. However, he also recognizes the violence and suffering that such measures entail and suggests that they are necessary to prevent further decline and collapse.