Directions: After reading the excerpts from The Prince in our textbook, along with the supplemental readings in the textbook, look over the following prompts. Then choose one and construct a brief paragraph (5-8 sentences), including evidence from the text (examples). Yes or no answers are not appropriate or acceptable (nor are one-word replies). Then, after posting your response to a prompt, comment on at least one other post from a classmate. Your goal in doing so should be to add to their post, clarify their post, disagree with their post (politely), or relate their post to a historical or current situation. Do NOT agree or like their post.
Prompts: Choose only one prompt.
- Why are we still reading this book called The Prince, which was written 500 years ago?
- In your own words, explain Machiavelli’s view of an ideal prince?
- According to Machiavelli and Renaissance humanism, what is virtù. How does this notion of virtù in a prince positively impact the “state”?
- What do you think is the author’s most important idea based on the excerpts in the anthology?
- Was Machiavelli’s approach moral, immoral, or amoral? This isn’t a one-word response, remember. Use evidence from the text to back up your assertion.
- As you perceive it, what advantages might a citizen encounter living under a Machiavellian ruler? Describe what a best-case-scenario Machiavellian state might be like.
- As you perceive it, what disadvantages might a citizen encounter living under a Machiavellian ruler? Describe what a worst-case-scenario Machiavellian state might be like.
