New Modes and Orders - Machiavelli's The Prince Chapters 1-12

Explore the foundational concepts of modern political thought in this 37-minute lecture from Yale University's "Introduction to Political Philosophy" course. Delve into Machiavelli's life, the political landscape of Renaissance Florence, and his groundbreaking work "The Prince." Discover how Machiavelli synthesized elements from Christian empires and Roman republics to create a new form of political organization. Examine the concept of the modern state, liberated from traditional notions of virtue, and the emergence of a new breed of political leaders. Analyze key themes including the distinction between armed and unarmed prophets, and the redefinition of good, evil, virtue, and vice in political contexts. Gain insights into Machiavelli's enduring influence on political philosophy and statecraft through this comprehensive exploration of the first 12 chapters of "The Prince."