Machiavelli as Philosopher. Issue 2 (19th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baluch, Faisal
• Editors: Collins, Susan D.; Abbey, Ruth; Keys, Mary M.
• Is Part Of: Review of politics. Volume 80:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 289
• Page End: 300
• Publication Date: 2018-04-19
• Subjects: 320.5
• DOI: 10.1017/S0034670517001097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-6705

Abstract

Abstract: This paper deals with Zuckert's book Machiavelli's Politics . It takes as its point of departure Zuckert's remark that Machiavelli is "surprisingly like Socrates." The paper begins with a brief discussion of what makes a Socratic philosopher and then charts out the many similarities between Socrates and Machiavelli. Responses are offered to some of the key reservations against terming Machiavelli a Socratic. In particular, the paper points to a less activist and more meditative mode in Machiavelli's writings that allows one to make a more convincing case for a Socratic Machiavelli.