Socrates And Machiavelli s Views On Violence And Violent...

Socrates and Machiavelli hold vastly different views on violence and violent actions, the former advocates strongly that it is always better to be harmed rather than to harm while the latter argues that violence is essential, when used correctly, in order to gain and maintain power. These contrasting views on violence both hold merit, yet the question of which view is more corrupting depends strongly on what corruption is defined as, and thus, which view fits this definition. Socrates is determined to be guilty of corruption by the court of Athenians, as his methods of questioning and actions regarding violence are viewed as dangerous and threatening to the Athenian democracy. However, he also acts in ways that strengthen the democracy with his view, by defending the law even when other members of the court disagree with him and violence appears imminent. Machiavelli, on the other hand, states that violence is necessary and that wickedness and improper violence corrupt more so than v iolence itself. When used properly, he believes that violence is not corrupting, but rather essential in maintaining power and creating a successful rule. In the case of examining these differing views of violence and determining which is more corrupting, corruption is to be defined as actions that are purposefully undertaken that weaken the rule of government and put the lives and property of the citizens. Based upon this definition, when violence is handled how Machiavelli suggests, his viewsShow MoreRelatedSocrates And Machiavelli2009 Words   |  9 PagesSocrates and Machiavelli are both very influential philosophers and two of the great minds of their time. However, both of these men had their own separate ideas that did not completely agree with one another. Machiavelli was born into a Renaissance time period of fragmented politics, lots of bloodshed, and angry citizens while Socrates grew up in a time of political adjustment and instability in Athens. Machiavelli constructed The Prince as a political pamphlet to his friend Lorenzo de Medici