Annotated Primary Bib Hist711

Paul Denton HIST 711: Annotated Bibliography Primary Sources Machiavelli and the Corruption of Power Machiavelli believed that power, specifically political power, was essential for the survival and success of a society. He argued that it was better for a ruler to be feared than loved, but also that they must be careful not to be hated. 1 He believed that a ruler should use any means necessary to maintain their power, including deception, manipulation, and violence. Machiavelli was influenced by several philosophers and writers of his time, including Aristotle, Cicero, Aristotle, Plato, and Tacitus. He was also influenced by the political events of his time, particularly the rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence. Machiavelli's interest in power politics and the effective use of force was influenced by the political upheavals he witnessed in his own city and by the Italian Wars of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Machiavelli believed that power was the ultimate goal and that rulers should do whatever it takes to maintain it paving the way to the corruption that plagues politics today. 1. Niccoloì Machiavelli. The Prince . New York, New York: Race Point Publishing, 2017. The Prince is Machiavelli's most famous work. It is a treatise on political philosophy that offers advice to rulers on how to maintain and increase their power. Machiavelli argues that the ends justify the means, and that a ruler should be willing to use any method necessary to achieve his goals. This advice was controversial at the time, and it has been controversial ever since. However, The Prince is also a brilliant work of political analysis, and it continues to be read and studied today . It is a political treatise that offers advice to rulers on how to gain and maintain power. The book is known for its ruthless pragmatism and its emphasis on the importance of power over morality. 1 Niccolò Machiavelli, Nicolo Machiavelli the Complete Collection: (4 Books) the Prince, the Art of War, the Discourses on Livy, History of Florence (McAllister, 2017), p.47.

2 2. Niccoloì Machiavelli. On the Art of War , 2008. 3. Niccolo Machiavelli. Compendium the Art of War . Simon and Schuster, 2013. The Art of War and the Compendium are Machiavelli's treatises on military strategy. In this work, Machiavelli argues that war is a necessary evil, and that it should be conducted with ruthless efficiency. He also discusses the importance of discipline, morale, and leadership in warfare. The Art of War is still considered one of the most important works on military strategy ever written. The Art of War is a treatise on military strategy that was written by Machiavelli in response to the military reforms that were taking place in Italy at the time. The book offers advice on how to organize an army, how to train soldiers, and how to conduct warfare. 4. Niccoloì Machiavelli. Discourses on Livy , 1531 The Discourses on Livy is a commentary on the history of Rome. In this work, Machiavelli argues that the Roman republic was successful because it was founded on the principles of civic virtue and liberty. He also discusses the importance of a strong military and a well-organized government. The Discourses on Livy is a seminal work in political thought, and it has influenced many later thinkers, including Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The Discourses on Livy is another important work by Machiavelli. It is a commentary on the first ten books of Livy's history of Rome. In this work, Machiavelli discusses the nature of republics and how they can be established and maintained. 5. Niccolò Machiavelli. Machiavelli: The History of Florence, and Other Selections. New York, Twayne Publishers, 1970. The History of Florence is Machiavelli's account of the history of his native city. In this work, Machiavelli discusses the rise and fall of the Florentine republic. He also analyzes the factors that contributed to the republic's downfall. The History of Florence is a valuable source

4 that the Metaphysics is a foundational work in both western philosophy and theology, and that Aristotle's ideas continue to shape our understanding of reality and knowledge today. Specific points of contention and interpretation include the nature of substance, causality, the relationship between matter and form, and the role of metaphysics in ethical and political philosophy. 9. Aristotle. The Politics. Penguin UK, 1981. The Politics is an exploration of the nature and purpose of government and politics. He believed that the ultimate goal of politics is the good life of the citizens and the common interest of the community. Aristotle emphasized the importance of education and the need for citizens to be virtuous to achieve a successful society. He believed that individuals must develop a strong sense of morality and ethics to create a just government that serves the common good. Aristotle influenced Machiavelli in how a citizen should act in society and also how a citizen respects power. 10. Coleman, Raymond Geuss, Quentin Skinner, and Richard Tuck. St Thomas Aquinas: Political Writings . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. A collection of the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Reading the work shows how Machiavelli drew ideas from the political thoughts and the use and abuse of power from people who are in charge. That could be political leadership and/or the Catholic Church. Aquinas theory is a continuation of Aristotelianism with laws and codes being codified in religion. Aquinas also draws heavily on Natural Law. That is everything in the terrestrial world is created by God and endowed with a certain nature that defines what each sort of being can and will do as a free person.