Political Science 2237E Lecture 11: Machiavelli good life
27 Dec 2018
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Admires intelligence, resolve/courage, and striving for a good = virtu (the prince) >can be translated as virtue but different from aristotle"s definition (manifests the best of human beings, pushes away from beastly side) >m accepts beastly side and it"s worth pursuing. >we have inside us a fierce lion and a cunning fox (538); come out at appropriate times. The root of virtu is vir = manliness; rooted in manliness, focus on the willingness to face reality and do what"s necessary, represents courage. >opposite of this is effeminacy = womanliness, lack of courage to do what needs to be done, erratic, cowardliness, irresolute, and pusillanimous (cowardliness) >yes but very difficult; at the same time you have to appear womanly and do things that virtu requires. Have to be willing to sacrifice personal morality for a greater morality if necessary. Everyone can be virtuous but it"s difficult b/c of the characteristics. >most people don"t have knowledge and self understanding.
