The Prince's Argumentative Credibility
Date
2023-05-16
Authors
Munira Odetallah
Ali Jallad Palestine
Justine Khalaf
Ibrahim Amawi
Hosam Jawabra
Ibrahim Marazka
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research
Abstract
Background: Niccolò Machiavelli declares his intention in The Prince to delve into “a discussion of how things are in real life and not waste time with a discussion of an imaginary world,” and so to give a realistic account of politics and governance. He does this through the study of historical leaders, establishing a discourse on the best attributes of a successful ruler often based on their failures and accomplishments. A key attribute, for Machiavelli, is a ruler’s ability to garner respect and fear from their people, whilst avoiding any hate. Inadvertently, he seems to advocate for treading a fine line between fear and hatred.