Political theories frequently depend in significant ways on basic conceptions of human nature and also on a specific historical context. In the case of Niccolò Machiavelli, I will assert that based on the factors stated above they help to justify or validate his theory and beliefs. First, I will begin with a brief outline of the historical context, concerns and setting. Then, Machiavelli’s key influential works that was published after major events. Accordingly, I will state his view on human nature and provide an analysis. Lastly, I will critically examine his main political theory and whether the historical context could have influenced his ideas. Finally, I will conclude that basic conceptions of human nature and specific historical context
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Do women exhibit the same deplorable traits stated earlier or could it be the case that women demonstrate opposite traits. If women were in the same positions of power, perhaps equal to the Pope hypothetically, would they still be ungrateful, fickle, self-interested, acquisitive and untrustworthy? His version of human nature is not complete. Furthermore, this line of criticism invokes the issue of equality. Since Machiavelli does not provide a specific explanation for his main theory, it is necessary to use inferences. It is established that Machiavelli desired a republican government, the same type of government in Ancient Rome, his model government type. It is plausible to assume his view of women could be drawn from how women were treated then. That is women could be citizens but did not have the right to vote or hold political power. Clarke concludes, “Machiavelli 's overriding concern is with Florence 's inability to make good on its potential, and at least part of the problem seems to be that Florence neglects its women. If Florentine men go wrong because their city lacks orders conducive to virtue, Florentine women go wrong because they have a place in no political order at all”(Clarke, 255). This analysis from Clarke provides a scholarly perspective on how Machiavelli may have seen women. Simply, if men stray from the right path then so will women since women do not have the political power to correct them. Men and women, in this sense seem fairly equal but men still have more power. Even still, this speculation would not be as strong as his own words. Machiavelli’s lack of account on this issue is problematic as the whole view was formed on the grounds that humans by nature are nasty. In other words, this assumption cannot hold by itself until a formidable account of how women are viewed is
Do women exhibit the same deplorable traits stated earlier or could it be the case that women demonstrate opposite traits. If women were in the same positions of power, perhaps equal to the Pope hypothetically, would they still be ungrateful, fickle, self-interested, acquisitive and untrustworthy? His version of human nature is not complete. Furthermore, this line of criticism invokes the issue of equality. Since Machiavelli does not provide a specific explanation for his main theory, it is necessary to use inferences. It is established that Machiavelli desired a republican government, the same type of government in Ancient Rome, his model government type. It is plausible to assume his view of women could be drawn from how women were treated then. That is women could be citizens but did not have the right to vote or hold political power. Clarke concludes, “Machiavelli 's overriding concern is with Florence 's inability to make good on its potential, and at least part of the problem seems to be that Florence neglects its women. If Florentine men go wrong because their city lacks orders conducive to virtue, Florentine women go wrong because they have a place in no political order at all”(Clarke, 255). This analysis from Clarke provides a scholarly perspective on how Machiavelli may have seen women. Simply, if men stray from the right path then so will women since women do not have the political power to correct them. Men and women, in this sense seem fairly equal but men still have more power. Even still, this speculation would not be as strong as his own words. Machiavelli’s lack of account on this issue is problematic as the whole view was formed on the grounds that humans by nature are nasty. In other words, this assumption cannot hold by itself until a formidable account of how women are viewed is