His objective approach to the subject matter is characteristic of the Renaissance period's critical thinking. ... The choice of using law to encourage proper conduct and rational thinking; and force to intimidate and frighten. ...
He launched an attack on the thinking the people had then, which was somehow considered a priority. ... Even in his second book he explained further that ideas are derived from two sources: sensation and perception. ... His whole political theory is based on his perception of human nature. ... The stating of contradictory views like that shows us that he was not extreme in his thinking. Or rather his thinking wasn't really profound. ...
It believes also, then, in the possibility of distinguishing in politics between truth and opinion-between what is true objectively and rationally, supported by evidence and illuminated by reason, and what is only a subjective judgment, divorced from the facts as they are and informed by prejudice and wishful thinking. ...
In spite of the fact, Machiavelli is greatly influenced by the Greek and Latin classics, and by the bible, he takes a critical stance in dealing with the idea of morality. ... Thus, the classical concept of civic virtue, which is a moral code applicable to rulers and subjects alike, is critically transformed in Machiavelli's concept of virtu, which pertains to rulers of states and can be at odds with moral virtue" . ... "Machiavelli critically analyzes the crucial characteristics of successful rulers when they are not commanding armies. ... When they perceive as (if they were) isolat...
