Question

How did Machiavelli’s idea of a good ruler differ from that of medieval philosophers?

A. Medieval philosophers believed a ruler should be most concerned with taking over other countries; Machiavelli argued that a ruler should only worry about his own country.

B. Medieval philosophers believed the church leaders should be the only rulers in a country; Machiavelli believed church leaders were not capable of ruling.

C. Medieval philosophers believed a ruler should base his actions on Christian principles; Machiavelli argued that a ruler should do whatever is necessary to secure and unite his state.

D. Medieval philosophers believed a ruler should be ruthless and fearless; Machiavelli believed leaders should be compassionate and kind above all else.

Answer 1

Option C is correct. As Christianity considered modesty as a virtue and decision-making based on imaginary ideals, Machiavelli believed that pride, ambition and glory suited best for leaders. It is better to be feared than to be loved. Machiavelli thought that a leader must consider political convenience and use every means, moral or not, to reach the ends.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: C. Medieval philosophers believed a ruler should base his actions on Christian principles; Machiavelli argued that a ruler should do whatever is necessary to secure and unite his state.

This is described by Machiavelli in his animal imagery metaphor, which says that "A ruler must be a fox and a lion. A Lion to induce fear and get things done and a fox to manipulate and be sly".

In addition, Machiavelli said that a ruler should appear compassionate, honest and religious, even if he is not those things and try to do what is right. But, if he can not, he must put his morals aside and do what needs to be done.

Machiavelli's signature quote was "It is better to be feared than loved".

On the other hand, Medieval philosophers believed that a ruler should follow the right way, because a good ruler is a living likeness of God.