Who are the Philosophers that Support Machiavellianism?

Machiavellianism is a controversial political theory that advocates the use of deceit, cunning, and manipulation for personal and political gain. Many philosophers throughout history have explored this doctrine and offered their own interpretations and arguments in support of it. In this article, we will examine some of the leading philosophers who have endorsed Machiavellianism.

One of the most well-known advocates of Machiavellianism is Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche believed that the strong should rule over the weak and that a ruler should do whatever necessary to maintain their power. He argued that morality was simply a tool used by the weak to control the strong and that the only true morality was that of the strong.

Similarly, Thomas Hobbes put forth the idea that fear and self-interest were the driving forces behind human behavior. He believed that only a strong and powerful government, with a ruler at its head, could prevent chaos and maintain a stable society. Hobbes argued that a ruler should do whatever necessary to maintain their power, even if it meant acting immorally.

Another philosopher who supported Machiavellianism was Niccolò Machiavelli himself. In his book, The Prince, he argued that a ruler should use whatever means necessary to maintain their power and protect their state. Machiavelli believed that morality and religion were irrelevant in politics and that a ruler should be guided solely by their own interests.

In addition to these philosophers, others have offered their support for Machiavellianism in varying degrees. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, for example, argued that sometimes immoral actions were necessary for the greater good of society. Similarly, Immanuel Kant believed that lying was justified in certain situations, such as when it could save someone's life.

In conclusion, while Machiavellianism remains a controversial and divisive political theory, it has garnered support from many influential philosophers throughout history. Whether through promoting the idea of the strong ruling over the weak, emphasizing fear and self-interest as driving human behavior, or arguing that rulers should do whatever necessary to maintain their power, these philosophers have all offered their support for Machiavellianism in one way or another.

There are several philosophers who have supported Machiavellianism and some of them are:

1. Thomas Hobbes: He believed that people are inherently selfish and violent and that a strong ruler is necessary to maintain order and security.

2. Friedrich Nietzsche: He argued that morality is relative and that the strong should exert their power over the weak.

3. Max Weber: He believed that political leaders should be willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals and that they should be judged based on their results rather than their methods.

4. Carl Schmitt: He believed that political leaders should be willing to make difficult and unpopular decisions in order to protect the interests of the state.

5. Arthur Schopenhauer: He believed that the world is a struggle for power and that individuals should prioritize their own interests over the needs of others.

While Machiavellianism is often associated with Niccolo Machiavelli himself, there are several philosophers who have supported or explored Machiavellian ideas in their works. Some of these philosophers include:

1. Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher, embraced Machiavelli's emphasis on self-interest and the need for a strong central authority to maintain social order. He argued that individuals are inherently selfish and that a powerful ruler is necessary to prevent chaos and preserve stability.

2. Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche, a 19th-century German philosopher, has been interpreted as endorsing Machiavellian ideas in his conception of the "will to power." He believed in the pursuit of greatness and dominance, challenging traditional moral values and advocating for the cunning and assertiveness associated with Machiavellianism.

3. Max Weber: Weber, a 19th-20th-century German sociologist and philosopher, viewed Machiavellianism from a sociological perspective. He argued that political leaders must possess certain qualities, including a willingness to engage in calculated, strategic actions, to survive and thrive in the competitive realm of politics.

4. Carl Schmitt: Schmitt, a 20th-century German jurist and political theorist, admired Machiavelli's understanding of power and its relationship with politics. He explored the idea of the "state of exception," where political leaders transcend legal limitations to maintain control and security.

It is worth noting that these philosophers do not necessarily wholly endorse Machiavellianism, but rather engage with certain aspects of his ideas or incorporate them into their own theories.