SHORT NOTES ON RELIGION AND
MORALITY, REPUBLICANISM
ADVICE ON MORALITY
Machiavelli warns the Prince against the uselessness of Virtue as understood in Christian
Morality in maintaining his state. He argues that virtú for the prince lies in being dictated by
necessity and doing what the situation requires him to do in order to maintain his state. He
does not say that the Prince should not be merciful and honest. But he does say that it is not
necessary for statecraft. Machiavelli had a cynical view of human nature. He suggests that
people are inherently selfish, deceitful, and prone to violence. People are fickle and ungrateful,
which means a prince cannot rely on the loyalty of his subjects. Fear, rather than love, is seen
as a more reliable motivator. They are inherently flawed and corruptible. And also easy to
deceive. In such a scenario, the Prince cannot rely on their loyalty. He must create a perception
that can aid him in maintaining the safety and stability of the state. He argues that a Prince must
not aim to be loved but feared. Because people can become disloyal and cheat at any time. The
Prince must exhibit that he is kind but should not be kind and should be able to make a
spectacle of any threats to the safety and stability of the state and keep his subjects in awe of
his abilities. But this does not mean he should be cruel. Rather, he should inculcate
cunningness like a Fox and bravery of a lion. He should not try to overspend and show off too
much as this can lead to overtaxation.
4.7 ADVICE ON RELIGION
What the leader needs to do is to appear to have the good values of the day. He must appear
kind, religious, and honest. But he should treat religion as a tool. Machiavelli believed that
religion, when practiced seriously, promoted passivity and humility, potentially weakening social
bonds and civic duty. He admired pagan religions for their celebration of worldly achievements
and active civic participation. Thus, he viewed religion instrumentally, advocating for its
maintenance to ensure social order rather than for its truth claims alone. Machiavelli’s critique
extended to the Church itself, which he criticised for its worldly ambitions and its role in
contributing to Italy’s political fragmentation. He focused on the Church’s political failings rather
than theological errors, arguing that its interference in secular affairs often destabilised Italian
states rather than promoting unity. Despite his criticisms, Machiavelli recognised the pragmatic
utility of religion in maintaining order and social stability, advocating for leaders to navigate its
influence carefully to strengthen their rule without becoming overly reliant on its moral authority.
MACHIAVELLI’S REPUBLICANISM
Machiavelli’s exploration of republicanism reveals a tapestry of intricate notions, reflecting his
profound insights into political theory and governance. Within this framework, several key facets
shed light on Machiavelli’s rich perspective on republicanism: Firstly, he underscored the
significance of civic virtue and the common good within a republic. Machiavelli emphasised
active citizenship and the collective welfare of the community as foundational pillars essential
for the stability and prosperity of a republic. For him, a robust civic ethos was crucial in fostering
cohesion and resilience within the body politic. Additionally, Machiavelli articulated a cyclical
view of republics, positing that they are typically founded by a visionary lawgiver but are prone
to degeneration over time, succumbing to corruption. He recognised the ebb and flow of virtue
and vice within republics, suggesting that periods of strength are often followed by periods of
decay. Machiavelli’s analysis underscored the precarious balance required to sustain the
integrity of a republic amid internal and external pressures. While Machiavelli held a deep
admiration for the republican model, particularly epitomised by ancient Rome, he refrained from
idealising republicanism as a flawless system. Instead, he acknowledged its inherent challenges
and vulnerabilities, particularly in confronting corruption and external threats. Machiavelli’s
realism tempered any romanticised notions of republics, acknowledging the pragmatic
complexities involved in their governance.
Moreover, Machiavelli contemplated the role of force and guile in preserving the integrity of a
republic during times of crisis or moral decline. He recognised that rulers may need to employ
unorthodox and sometimes harsh measures to safeguard the republic’s security and
sovereignty. This pragmatic approach challenged conventional moral norms, illustrating
Machiavelli’s willingness to grapple with the harsh realities of political life. Nevertheless,
Machiavelli’s thoughts on republicanism are not devoid of contradictions and complexities.
While he esteemed the republican ethos and civic engagement, he also grappled with the
pragmatic exigencies of governance that sometimes necessitated actions conflicting with
conventional moral precepts. His seminal works, including The Prince and Discourses on Livy,
serve as testaments to these nuanced perspectives on republicanism and governance. In
essence, Machiavelli’s exploration of republicanism weaves together threads of admiration for
civic virtue, an acknowledgment of the challenges inherent in republican governance, and a
pragmatic orientation towards political realities. His contributions to political thought have left an
indelible mark on discussions surrounding the nature of republics, the responsibilities of citizens,
and the dynamics of power within a republican framework. Through his multifaceted analysis,
Machiavelli invites readers to confront the complexities of political life with a sober realism
tempered by a profound appreciation for the enduring principles of civic duty and collective
welfare
