"Machiavelli's Paradox: Trapping or Teaching the Prince" by John Langton and Mary G. Dietz
In “Machiavelli’s Paradox: Trapping or Teaching the Prince” (1987) John Langton and Mary G. Dietz debate on what accounts for the paradox Machiavelli brings about by extolling the virtues of republican government in The Discourses, and also advising the ruler on how to perpetuate autocratic rule in The Prince. They write their arguments to inform the well-rounded literary scholar of the two main possibilities at hand, and the faults of one another’s arguments. Mary Dietz argues that Machiavelli sought to deceive the prince, trapping him into actions that would destroy his rule. John Langton, however, contends that Machiavelli was seeking to teach the prince how to govern so that the autocratic state could evolve into a republic.
Source:
John Langton and Mary G. Dietz (1987). “Machiavelli's Paradox: Trapping or Teaching the Prince.” American Political Science Review, 81, pp 1277-1288. doi:10.2307/1962589.
Source:
John Langton and Mary G. Dietz (1987). “Machiavelli's Paradox: Trapping or Teaching the Prince.” American Political Science Review, 81, pp 1277-1288. doi:10.2307/1962589.
"The Humanist Concept of the Prince and the Prince of Machiavelli" by Felix Gilbert
In “The Humanist Concept of the Prince and the Prince of Machiavelli” (1954) Felix Gilbert examines the fifteenth chapter of The Prince and related literature for anyone who studies the development of political thought, particularly toward the political realism associated with the name of Machiavelli. Through description and analysis of the prince-literature of the humanists, Gilbert draws a firm and definite line of demarcation between Machiavelli and his “idealist” predecessors. He provides discussion to inform the reader of how Machiavelli set up realistic principles as the basis of political thought during his time period.
Source:
Gilbert, Felix. "The Humanist Concept of The Prince." Studies in the Renaissance. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1954. 38-48. Print.
Source:
Gilbert, Felix. "The Humanist Concept of The Prince." Studies in the Renaissance. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1954. 38-48. Print.