POLS 101–01: Introduction to Political Science
Assignment: Short Analytical Paper #2
Length: 1–2 typed, double–spaced pages
Due Date: By the start of class on Fri., Sept. 13
In the opening paragraph of Chapter XV (p. 61 of the Mansfield translation), Machiavelli
announces his intention to write something useful to whoever understands it. To this end, he
puts forward a new moral teaching according to which if a prince wants to attain and hold onto
power, he must, as a matter of necessity, learn to be able not to be good, i.e., to act in a way
that would ordinarily be considered immoral or unethical.
In each of the three chapters listed below that immediately come after Chapter XV Machiavelli
focuses on a specific moral virtue or set of moral virtues and applies this new teaching about
morality and politics. Select ONE of these three chapters and summarize in your own words
(and not based on anything that might be found online) its main argument or teaching.
Chapter XVI (Of Liberality and Parsimony)
Chapter XVII (Of Cruelty and Mercy, and Whether It is Better to Be Loved Than Feared,
or the Contrary)
Chapter XVIII (In What Mode Faith Should Be Kept by Princes)
Note: As explained in the course syllabus, topics for twelve (12) analytical papers will be
distributed over the course of the semester. You are required to write four (4) of them. One of
these four must be one of the first three assigned, so if you didnt write a response to the first
topic you are required to write a response to this one or the next one.
