Aristotle and Machiavelli on the Term Paper

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This potential is in fact each man's ability to perform a certain task and fulfill a certain role in society. It is very important to note here that this role is determined by man's capacity to reason which is in fact, the key to understanding Aristotle's view on human nature. Regarding political regimes, Aristotle characterizes monarchy, aristocracy and polity as the good type of regimes whereas tyranny, oligarchy and democracy are labeled as 'corrupt'. The basic feature of a good government is that it rules in favor of the common interest while corrupt governments rule according to their own interest.

As far as the rule of law, Aristotle argues that in a good state, i.e. with a good government, there is a rule of law, and not of men, in other words, that man is to judge man according to laws which apply to everyone. In this sense, the rule of law implies both obedience to laws, and checks and balances, a system which is aimed at exercising control over both the rule and magistrates. Also, laws must be obeyed in order for the government to be considered 'good'. Again, there is a clear opposition between the Aristotelian and the Machiavellian systems of thought.

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Machiavelli holds that good laws originate in good military in the sense that he regards war as the only method of state creation as states can only be built upon the foundation of war. Moreover, he argues in favor of the rule of man since the prince has the authority to employ any means in order to defend his state.

Aristotle's definition of a good government is based on virtue, the rule of law and an ethical perspective on the functions and prerogatives of the government which has the duty to rule in favor of the common good. On the other hand, Machiavelli claims that virtue only applies when it benefits the state, and that the prince is free to employ any means in order to protect and preserve his principality. The fundamental difference between Aristotle's and Machiavelli's definitions of a good government consists of the fact that the latter prophesizes that "the end justifies the means" i.e. The actions of the state must not be interpreted from a moral perspective, whereas the definition of Aristotle is centered on the assumption that a good government has just laws......

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