Complete 3 page APA formatted essay: Machiavelli's.Indeed, for the most part, Machiavelli appears to ignore conventional notions of morality and ethics. He contends that the end justifies the means, t

Complete 3 page APA formatted essay: Machiavelli's.

Indeed, for the most part, Machiavelli appears to ignore conventional notions of morality and ethics. He contends that the end justifies the means, the end here being the retention of the prince’s power over the state. In Machiavelli’s opinion, a prince’s actions are moral, even if they appear to be immoral, if these actions ensure a moral result – the well-being of the state, which, in The Prince, is synonymous with the well-being of the prince.

Right from the outset, Machiavelli advocates the ruthless consolidation of power by the prince in the acquisition of a principality. He urges the prince “to punish the delinquent, to clear out the suspects” (Machiavelli . ch.3) and blatantly recommends the extermination of the family of the former prince. When he encourages the establishment of colonies, Machiavelli remarks that “men ought either to be well-treated or crushed” ( . ch.3). He approves the confiscation of land and houses from citizens, as these citizens will become “poor and scattered” ( . ch.3), posing no threat to the prince. Injury need not be avoided, so long as there is no danger of revenge. Machiavelli proposes that the ruin or destruction of a conquered republic is the best course to establish control over it. He recommends the use of force as the best means of protection of the prince and states the prince will be “respected --- powerful, secure, honored and happy” ( . ch.6) only when he exterminates the opposition. Machiavelli appreciates the Duke who had “recourse --- to wile” ( . ch.7) to overcome his rivals and executed his minister in order to intimidate his subjects. In the case of Agathocles, although Machiavelli does not fully condone his cruelty and wickedness, he still admires his “ability of mind and body” ( . ch.8) and justifies his killing, deceit, ruthlessness, irreligiosity and faithlessness, as they were but means of gaining an empire. He excuses evil when employed as a necessary