Humanism is a theory which affirms human responsibility an ability to lead ethical lives, aspiring greater good, without supernaturalism. Humanism is a philosophical theory which focuses on giving the humans the first place in the universe in regards to their faculties and abilities. The theory is concerned with human experiences, their needs and desires. This does not involve a particular set of beliefs and doctrines but an attitude and perspective of human belief systems. Importantly, the theory of humanism focuses on the importance of the supernatural system, which is distinct from the natural world. Therefore, the theory focuses on the system of human beliefs, with an overriding concern of the abilities and needs of the human beings.
With this in mind, the prince is seen to represent a humanist approach in the art of governing. This is because Machiavellian the Prince is written as an illustration of the decayed Italian state systems of governance. The word Machiavellian is both demeaning and pejorative; it is used to describe cunning, bad faith or duplicity. These systems were characterized by changing policies and alliances to ensure that the system become supreme. Machiavelli was humanistic as he recognized evil policies and acts, but believed that sometimes there is a necessity of evil actions to bring greater good in human beings. According to him, state reasons outweighed any other reasons, including divine authority. The humanist approach is also seen as; the good of the state is an end to itself as opposed to developing individual virtue of happiness. Therefore, the good of the state was based on the reasons of the state and not divine reasons; which require that the best good can be achieved by obeying the king, not based on any moral values, or any religious obligations.
Therefore, such approaches justify their immoral acts such as painful physical acts and threats to obey the existing authority. Catholic dogma is an article of faith, which is believed to be presented by God and should be followed. The article presents the attributes of God and shows the human beings what is needed of them, in order to live a divine life. In the medieval times, political theorists believed that kings derived their authority from God and were also obliged to rule according to the laws and consultation. Other political philosophers wanted to assert the Prince’s political authority against pope. The theory of divine right to the kings asserted that social ranks were morally and religiously obliged to obey their government.
Therefore, unlike the idea of divine governance based on catholic dogma, Machiavellian approach is humanistic as it encourages certain acts that are divine. Comparatively, divine governance draws its governance from the dogma that encourages good deeds for the benefit of the people. Machiavellian governance, on the other hand, allows ruthlessness when necessary, and is humanistic as the good of the states is an end to itself, as opposed to what might be beneficial to the general good of humans. Thus, this encourages actions which might not be considered divine like ruthlessness, physical harm and other activities which are not considered divine.
Works cited
Hunt, Lynn, et al. "The making of the West." The American Historical Review 105.5 (2000).
Mansfield, Harvey Claflin. Machiavelli's virtue. The University of Chicago Press, 1996.
Dietz, Mary G. "Trapping the Prince: Machiavelli and the politics of deception." The American
Political Science Review (1986): 777-799.
