Authority In Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince

In many political philosopher’s eyes, there is a special relationship between the ideas of moral goodness and legitimate authority. Some of these political philosophers believed that the use of political power was only morally correct if it was exercised under a ruler who had virtuous morals. These rulers who had virtuous morals were then told that in order to be successful, they needed to make decisions in accordance with the standards of ethical goodness. This moralistic view of authority is what Machiavelli criticizes in his work “The Prince.” In Machiavelli’s book, “The Prince,” the readers are introduced to political values that do not necessarily give full recognition to morality or religion.
In the text, Machiavelli writes on how there is no way to judge the difference between legitimate and illegitimate power. Rather, he believes that the elite in society and their power should be equal. Whoever has power should command, but not overpower other individuals in society. In direct opposition of the moralistic theory of politics, Machiavelli says that the only concern a political ruler should have is …show more content…
The above idea becomes very evident when Machiavelli discusses the treatment of relationship between law and force. Machiavelli states that in order to have a well-ordered political system, you need have good arms and good laws. He later adds that since coercion creates legality, he will concentrate mostly on force. Machiavelli says “Since there cannot be good laws without good arms, I will not consider laws but speak of arms” (47). This quote helps describe how laws, and their effectiveness, depend upon the force to which there are being forced on individuals. Consequently, Machiavelli is lead to the conclusion that fear if a preferable feeling in some