Machiavelli's Perception Of Morality

The definition of morality is to be “concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character” (“moral”). Machiavelli brings in an alternative form of morality that challenges the traditional perception of morality. This challenge of the traditional sense of morality may be perceived as Machiavelli creating “another moral universe”. Whether it is Machiavelli defending another moral universe without religion or if Machiavelli is proving that morality outside of religion exists is up for debate. Machiavelli is not creating another moral universe, but rather he is pointing out the flaws of depending solely on religious morality. However this opposing idea of a stark contrast between morality as a system of ultimate values and politics as a realm of technical skill is a fallacy due to the ability to master the perception of good morality, as well as many other mastery’s, is a technical skill in the realm of politics.
Machiavelli is concerned with the principles of right and wrong, however he discusses the importance of morality without religion. In society, moral values are often directly correlated with religion, but usually only the good moral values. When Machiavelli removes religion, …show more content…
When you master it you can use the moral values to your benefit and to increase and better your perception. Perception is an important topic that Machiavelli states “everyone see’s what you seem to be” (1-Machiavelli p. 55). A perception of a ruler doing remarkable things means a more solidified reputation, which allows activity, but once you have the reputation then you are allowed to justify your future actions. Justifying the future actions off of your reputation is much easier when the reputation is pristine rather than when it is questionable because the individual’s intentions are questioned if your reputation is not