Philosophy Questions (Machiavellis Statement ) - Essay Example

Answer I totally agree with the ments primarily because these are important issues within and outside the civil society that significantly impact the psyche of human being. They also have strong political importance. They are extremely relevant factors that should be understood for their wider ramifications and not for the superficial impact that they may have on the people as a whole. It is also especially true for the government that is designed to develop and implement mechanisms that safeguard the interests of the people.

The various mechanisms of governance, empirical compulsions etc are important paradigms that must be accompanied by creating awareness among people about pros and con of the issues. The knowledge therefore becomes a critical element of positive influence so that it can be amicably accepted by the society at large. People of US also agree with the view because various policies vis-a-vis drug addiction, immigration policies etc promote prohibitions which results in clandestine activities that defy the tenets of government regulations.

The wider implications of prohibitions are widespread and are prone to create a desire for covert activities. The notion of hording of weapons as a deterrent measure is also not right because it Hiroshima is a prime example of misuse of weapons that has resulted in unimaginable catastrophe. The use or misuse depends on the leadership and therefore sends a strong message of insecurity amongst the people. The recent Iraq war gives credence to these statements. It also forces the people to redefine the process of building a better civil society where inter-dependency across nation is used a tool to create equity.

(words: 266) Answer 2 Machiavelli’s philosophy of life was radical in terms of use of power that was solely designed for political gain and survival at all cost. Thus, traditional ideas of ethics and moral aptitude were set aside for more dominant ideologies that thrived on deceit and manipulation to exploit opportunities and remain in power. But in the fast changing environment of socio-political and economic compulsions, Machiavelli’s statement needs to be interpreted with deeper understanding.

Interestingly Lao Tsu, the eminent Chinese scholar would not have accepted this philosophy. Taoism believes that universe has predefined guidelines and predetermined ways of doing things and therefore, man should not enforce his own ideas on the way things should be done or force the event of life. The political environment of current decade hugely supports this statement. In the fast changing dynamics of changing values and social compulsions, people need to incorporate the changes within their personal and professional lives to not only survive but also to maintain a competitive edge against their rivals.

The ideologies of ethical considerations and morality need to be looked from the wider perspective of global changes rather than that of segregated population. This would become irrelevant only when advancement within society are stopped and people within nations become self sufficient to the extent that social exchanges across societies is not required. Since this cannot be envisaged within the current environment of advancing technology and globalization, Machiavelli’s statement become highly relevant in the current times.

(words: 243) Reference Jacobus, Lee A. A World of Ideas: Essential Readings For College Writers. 8th Edition. Bedford/St. Martin's. 2009.