Machavellian Leadership

Machiavelli's philosophy and ideas on leadership are sometimes ambiguous.  Although private morality may rest on factors such as divine approval, personal character, or abstract duties, in public life only the praise and blame of fellow human beings really counts.  Thus, Machiavelli supposed, the ruler needs to acquire a good reputation while actually doing whatever wrong seems necessary in the circumstance (Prince 18). Thus, rulers must seem to be generous while spending their money wisely, appear to be compassionate while ruling their armies cruelly, and act with great cunning while cultivating a reputation for integrity. Although it is desirable to be both loved and feared by one's subjects, it is difficult to achieve both, and of the two, Machiavelli declared, it is far safer for the ruler to be feared (Prince 17). Expand on this principle and provide examples in real life that illustrate your approval or disapproval of Machiavelli's principle.

Amy Goodman: A venerable Jewish voice for peace

After reading the handout given in class, write a response to the article by Amy Goodman.  In her article, Rabbi Henry Siegman, president of the US/Middle East Project, offered a more tolerant approach to the Palestinian and Israeli conflict than many other Israeli thinkers and politicians.  Siegman believes that the current assault on Gaza (Palestinians living in Gaza area of Israel) "is disastrous."  You many approach this article in a variety of ways.  Defend it. Criticize it.  Or take a quotation from the article in which to respond. This blog should reflect your own thoughts - not those of any other person. Blogs should be two pages in length.

Idealist vs Realist

Of Plato and Cicero, Cicero stands out as the most "realist" writer. The strictest realist theory of politics would entail adhering to that which is the most practical and practicable, while the most idealist theory would believe there is a highest form of perfection and justice to which all ends must strive toward.  Daniel Guenther claims that "Plato is the most idealist" and "Cicero [is] the most realist."   Based on what you have read in Plato's works and in Cicero's "On Duties," qualify or disagree this statement by your explanation.

 

Plato's Philosophical Assumptions

The "Allegory of the Cave" presents, in brief form, most of Plato's major philosophical assumptions: his belief that the world revealed by our senses is not the real world but only a poor copy of it, and that the real world can only be apprehended intellectually; his idea that knowledge cannot be transferred from teacher to student, but rather that education consists in directing student's minds toward what is real and important and allowing them to apprehend it for themselves; his faith that the universe ultimately is good; and that a good society must be one in which the truly wise are the rulers.

What is your critical response to Plato's philosophical assumptions?

Choose one of Plato's ideas and expand on it by interjecting your own critical response to his idea on knowledge or his idea on faith - provide examples to support your response.