Machiavelli Philosophy on Leadership: Essay Sample.
Nicolo Machiavelli is a philosopher known for remarkable, yet controversial, contribution to the field of philosophy, especially regarding the government and the role of a leader. Another popular name in the same domain of political philosophy is Jean Bodin who expressed equally remarkable philosophical ideas on politics. Power, politics, morality, and state form the central arguments of Machiavelli’s perception of a good head of state.Machiavelli Philosophy on Leadership: Essay Sample. On the other hand, Bodin’s ideas are contradictory to those of Machiavelli; he advocated for absolute sovereignty with the integration of Christian values. Despite these contradictions, the approaches of the two philosophers regarding the government and the role of a head of a state are unique.
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People often dislike dishonest and immoral politicians. However, according to Machiavelli’s views, this should not be the case. As proved by his scholarly materials, Machiavelli was of the idea that a good politician is not the one with all good qualities like kindness, honesty, friendly and considerate nature, but one who defends, enriches, and brings honor to the state. According to the philosopher, a leader who acts in this way for the country is great. Nevertheless, effectiveness on the part of a leader is very essential.Machiavelli Philosophy on Leadership: Essay Sample.
Jean Bodin advocated for sovereignty; he described it as an absolute and unique form of power without any limits placed upon it. The philosopher believed that the state, through its leader, holds supreme power that does not rely on the consent and validity of its subjects. With this approach to leadership and governance it is evident that Bodin perceived government as an independent institution that is free from the expectations of the civilians on matters of power and decision-making. Besides, he believed that a sovereign ruler is instituted by providence. Therefore, they are expected to make decisions and act according to their discretion for the betterment of humanity.
Bodin’s views regarding ideal leadership differs from that of Machiavelli to a great extent. The latter emphasized effectiveness of the actions of a ruler for the welfare of the nation while the former highlighted certain qualities that are essential in an administrator even when endowed with sovereign power.Machiavelli Philosophy on Leadership: Essay Sample. In Machiavelli’s philosophical portrayal of a leader, traits such as maneuvering, dissembling, and lying are excusable as long as the followers understand that effective leadership that leads to the accomplishment of country’s goals is vital. An interesting aspect of his thinking is that an effective politician is one that inspires fear and terror among his followers as this is the strategy to keep them in check. He, therefore, rejected the idea of incorporating Christian principles such as kindness, politeness, and tolerance. Bodin, on the other hand, believed that sovereign leaders were divine and had the best interests of the people at heart. His type of a leader is one who possesses Christian values such as kindness, understanding, and tolerance, unlike Machiavelli’s.Machiavelli Philosophy on Leadership: Essay Sample.
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In spite of these differences, both philosophers had similar ideas about the way leaders relate to their followers. An element of dictatorship is evident in their perceptions. That is, apart from contributing to the matters of the country the subjects are entirely on the receiving end of the decisions and actions of their leaders. A leader, in Bodin’s view, is a supreme leader, the kind of an autocrat, but one with humane qualities. Machiavelli also views a ruler in the same way, the only difference being he is the darker version of Bodin’s leader. These two approaches to defining a leader and his role in government, despite the differences, are both significant. Machiavelli Philosophy on Leadership: Essay Sample.