State Imposed Morality of Aristotle and Machiavelli Essay Example

also argued that all men aspire to become a part of a state as individuals cannot exist in isolation and those who are self-sufficient must either be a god or a beast (Politics, I.ii). Hence, it is evident that men seek companionship of others.

Although a man may sometimes long for solitude, he will ultimately need companionship to preserve his humanity. Even if a man can survive alone and prioritize his own survival, he will eventually regress into a primitive creature akin to a wild jungle beast. This idea is illustrated in the movie Cast Away (2000), directed by Robert Zemeckis, which portrays the repercussions of living in seclusion from society.

Although there are speculations that Noland, the protagonist of the film, might have chosen to live in isolation after returning to civilization, it is still a fact that he would be living near other human beings. This emphasizes how important human companionship is as the basis for societies and states. It's crucial to note that societies and states are created by individuals who share common interests, with cohabitation being the minimum requirement and well-being being the ultimate goal. Aristotle contended that happiness is life's ultimate objective, but there remains a question of which form of happiness one should pursue given a variety of options ranging from physical pleasure to material possessions to emotional and spiritual contentment.

Aristotle posited that most individuals possess a servile mindset and desire an existence akin to animals; however, those who are cultured and driven equate joy with respect (Nicomachean Ethics, I. v). This showcases the potential for discord among people despite similar desires. Nevertheless, Aristotle maintained that humanity's aim is to

participate in a certain type of life that involves reason, and the ultimate role of a virtuous person is to carry out these tasks in an estimable and commendable manner (Nicomachean Ethics, I. vii).Aristotle's view is that a person's actions should be guided by rational principles that ultimately benefit the soul. He considers the human good to reside in virtuous activity of the soul, and advocates for adherence to the most complete virtue. Aristotle defines virtue as a character state enabling an individual to perform their tasks effectively, with its choice determined by rational principles used by wise individuals in practical affairs (Nicomachean Ethics, I. vii & II).

The idea of balance in a moral individual is communicated (i), which includes having the right perspective towards fitting situations for the proper objective and executed in the appropriate way. This necessitates an assortment of virtues applicable to different circumstances, with varying levels of said virtue adjusted accordingly. Consequently, wise individuals, representing everyone seeking happiness and community, establish these principles of morality. It's important to acknowledge that people choose to remain within a society for their own benefit, including at least one companion.

The state's fundamental goal is to uphold the purpose of human societies by ensuring law and justice. While individuals may have personal interests, they also share common ones. Aristotle aptly remarked in Politics, I that "man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice he is the worst of all".

According to Aristotle, laws are necessary to resolve conflicts of self-interest among men. These laws uphold the stability and survival of the state while considering virtues. Aristotle believed that individuals may

differ, but the well-being of the community is a collective responsibility. He emphasized that the constitution is the community and citizens' virtue must match it.

iv). The enforcement of a state's laws can benefit its residents by upholding moral standards agreed upon by the community. When these laws are universally applied, the state has the authority to enforce them and maintain communal order. As humans have personal interests, communities depend on each other and cannot operate independently.

The mere creation of laws does not guarantee a state's survival. To ensure it, the implementation of those laws is crucial. However, this task cannot be left solely to those who have agreed to follow them as self-interest can interfere with compliance. Thus, political leaders are necessary for enforcing these laws and preserving the state they belong to. Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince extensively discusses political leadership and principles. According to him, a leader must prioritize maintaining society over their own morality - a controversial but necessary approach for preserving the state.

According to Machiavelli, political leaders must enforce laws to maintain a state, prioritizing its well-being over morality and citizen welfare. This aligns with Aristotle's beliefs. Thus, authority must be exercised for balance within the state. Cary Nederman (2005) argues that many philosophers link moral goodness with legitimate authority.

According to many authors, political power is only legitimate when wielded by a ruler who possesses impeccable moral character. However, while this notion holds some practical truth, it is also important to recognize that being virtuous does not inherently grant one authority or power (Nederman 2005). Nederman (2005) asserts that power and authority are of equal significance in regards to state governance and

morality. He further explains that in Machiavellian thought, political activity is fundamentally defined by power, and it is imperative for a ruler to possess the knowledge of how to use it successfully.

According to Machiavelli, only the proper use of power can ensure obedience from individuals and maintain the safety and security of the state. He believed that people are easily swayed but hard to keep convinced, so measures must be taken to make them believe through force when necessary. Machiavelli asserted that men are generally ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, and covetous; however, they will pledge their loyalty to you when success is far away. But when it draws near, they will turn against you, offering neither blood, property, life nor children as previously promised (The Prince, VI, XVII).

According to Machiavelli, it is human nature that necessitates a state to have rulers with political willpower to maintain stability and ensure the common interest of its members. When the state aims for the greater good of all members and under virtuous leadership, with implemented state laws, members will naturally act towards achieving the common good. If these actions align with virtuous acts and morality, then the state has the potential to make its people moral. Machiavelli believes that it is preferable for rulers to instill fear rather than love due to his beliefs about human nature.

Machiavelli believed that one should desire both friendship and fear, but if one must choose, it is better to be feared. He asserted that friendships obtained through payments lack security and cannot be relied upon when needed. Offenders have less reluctance in violating a loved person than a feared one. According

to him, fear preserves individuals through the dread of punishment, which never fails. Nederman (2005) noted that for Machiavelli, people are compelled to obey the state's superior power. If one resists a particular law, fear of the state's power or exercise of that power eventually leads them to submit to it. The issue is whether a ruler's imposed rule would be virtuous or merely based on the ruler's selfish interest to remain in power as per the people's perspective. Maintaining the state is considered the ruler's primary objective; thus, any laws imposed must be moral and, indeed, virtuous since pleasing the state's people ensures state maintenance.

Speculation arises as to whether the state exists for the ruler or vice versa. Despite Machiavelli endorsing monarchy in "The Prince" and republicanism in "Discourses," a correlation between the two forms of government can demonstrate that applying his advice enables a state to instill morality in its people. To prevent a ruler from imposing laws that go against ethical norms, Machiavelli recommends implementing a system to restrain their actions, as he acknowledges that human nature is not entirely good or bad (Discourses, I. xxvii).

To ensure the success of the state, it is crucial for its ruler to adhere to the established system. Ignoring this could result in the downfall of the state. The well-being of society depends on guaranteeing its citizens' satisfaction, which can be achieved by persuading them that all choices made are advantageous for them and their nation's greater good. A ruler's authority is incomplete without public backing, regardless of their influence. Ultimately, a ruler cannot govern single-handedly since they are only one individual while society consists

of numerous people.

According to Machiavelli, even the mightiest creatures like lions can succumb to pride when they face disappointment. He suggests a straightforward constitutional framework where a powerful authority governs people and restricts their ambitions, while laws and regulations ensure the state's welfare is maintained. Machiavelli has faced criticism for endorsing cruelty, violence, fear, and deceit over virtues such as justice, mercy, wisdom, temperance, and love for one's citizens. However, some perceive him as a realist or pragmatist who advocates suspending ethical standards in politics since moral values do not have any place in political decision-making; anything else is deemed wrong.

Machiavelli recommends rulers to strive for benevolent actions but be ready to engage in malevolent ones if the situation demands it. He counsels leaders to adjust their behavior based on changing circumstances and utilize unethical tactics only when they are absolutely necessary. Machiavelli further proposes that rulers should inspire fear among their subjects without fomenting hatred. Nevertheless, there is a challenge in interpreting his teachings due to differing moral perspectives. It is essential to recognize that even leaders who adhere to Machiavellian principles are part of society and consequently obliged by the principle of the common good, which links individuals with the state.

Kocis (1998) asserts that Machiavelli's main aim as a ruler is to protect the state and enhance the well-being of its inhabitants. Like other ethical philosophers, Machiavelli views moral duties as a rational response to societal expectations. However, Warburton et al. (2001) argue that Machiavelli and liberal thinkers distinguish between individuals and society. Although society provides a framework for people to pursue their personal goals autonomously, human desires, incentives, and aspirations are not

bound to any specific social context.

Regardless of the time or place, humans are motivated by the same insatiable passions which make them self-assertive, self-preserving, infinitely desirous and endlessly ambitious in a world of limited satisfactions and scarcity. Creating a strong and stable state allows the realization of the fundamental human desires for security and self-preservation. Therefore, human psychology is both the cause of external conflict and the solution for social cohesion.

In political arrangements that cater to human desires, self-preservation stands as the top motivator. Thus, if people are solely guided by their desires, morality can be enforced through fear, sanctions or mere compliance for satisfaction. Both Aristotle and Machiavelli believed that prioritizing the good of the state benefits the majority of its members and neglecting this principle invites destruction.

It is crucial that any actions taken to improve the state must be considered ethical. All members of society in the state must follow and adhere to the imposed standards of behavior in order to remain part of it. The state needs to use strict measures to enforce its moral principles and protect itself from destruction. Political leaders exercising their authority over their constituents are necessary for preserving the state's values. By properly utilizing this power, the state can compel its citizens to uphold collective well-being ideals agreed upon. Therefore, with its granted authority from citizens, the state has both a responsibility and ability to promote moral conduct.