Philosophize This! Episode #023 ... Machiavelli
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May 20, 2014 Dive into the tumultuous Renaissance, where the Church wielded immense power and Google Translate was sorely needed! unpack the misunderstood nature of virtue, revealing its subjectivity in politics and personal morality. Explore the seeds of the Protestant Reformation, fueled by disillusionment and a quest for personal faith. Discover Machiavelli's controversial stance on leadership, where stability trumps morality, and rulers must navigate the tightrope of being loved and feared. Engage with thought-provoking insights that challenge conventional wisdom!
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Church Corruption
- Corruption within the Church, including priests faking Latin readings and taking concubines, further eroded public trust.
- The Great Schism, with multiple popes vying for power, added to the perception of disarray and weakened the Church's authority.
Subjectivity of Virtue
- Virtue is subjective and depends on the desired outcome, not just inherent goodness.
- Different goals require different virtues; what's virtuous for one goal might be detrimental to another.
Context-Dependent Decorum
- Decorum, or acceptable behavior, varies depending on the context and desired outcome.
- A good comedian's behavior differs from a doctor's; actions aren't inherently good or bad, but depend on the situation.
