Better Feared Than Loved: Machiavelli and the Ethics of Power

This week, we turn to one of the most controversial and influential texts in political philosophy: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. Often misread as a ruthless guidebook for tyrants, The Prince is better understood as a provocative meditation on the realities of power—its acquisition, use, and loss.

Machiavelli challenges the classical view that rulers should be virtuous above all else. Instead, he argues that effective leadership often requires morally questionable actions. Is Machiavelli endorsing cruelty, or exposing political hypocrisy? Is he a realist, a cynic, or something more complex? We’ll explore The Prince not just as a manual for rulers, but as a deeper statement on human nature, morality, and the unavoidable tension between ethics and effectiveness.

We will be meeting at the Captain Melville, 34 Franklin St in Melbourne CBD at 2:00pm. There is no pre-requisite reading or watching but please find some resources to better prepare yourself in the discussion. Note these events are a roundtable format, often with vigorous debate, so please come ready to challenge assumptions and have your own assumptions challenged!

Guiding Questions:

1. Foundations of Power:
   • Who was Machiavelli?
   • Does The Prince assume that human nature is fundamentally corrupt? Why might this matter for how power must be exercised?
2. Morality vs. Effectiveness:
   • Should leaders prioritize being moral or being effective? Can they be both, or are they often in conflict?
   • Is Machiavelli arguing that the ends justify the means? Are there limits to this logic?
3. Fear and Love:
   • “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” Why does Machiavelli make this claim, and do you agree?
   • In modern leadership (political or otherwise), where do we still see this principle in action?
4. The Image of the Ruler:
   • Machiavelli writes that a prince must appear virtuous, even if he is not. What does this suggest about the role of image and perception in power?
   • Can genuine virtue survive in positions of power, or must it always be compromised?
5. Modern Relevance:
   • Is Machiavelli’s view of power still relevant today? How might it apply to modern political figures, corporate leaders, or media influencers?
   • Has society shifted more toward—or away from—Machiavellian politics in recent decades?

Hope to see you there!