Augustine and Machiavelli
Augustine Questions
1. What is the supreme good? Is it in this life?
2. In Chapter 4 how does Augustine prove that nothing that is good in this life can be the supreme eternal good?
3. Why does Augustine say the Stoic philosophers have “stupid pride”?
4. Is the judge evil because he/she cannot know the truth and sometimes tortures the innocent? Can she/he be happy?
5. What is a great good in this life?
6. What is the difference between peace in this life and peace in the heavenly city?
7. What does Augustine mean that the heavenly city journeys and travels?
Machiavelli Questions
1. Why is it hard to maintain control in new principalities?
2. Does Machiavelli think that wicked men can be great men? Why or why not?
3. What is the proper use of cruelty?
4. Why should a Prince have the support of the people?
5. What people are always in conflict which each other?
6. How do church rulers maintain control over their people?
7. How much does fortune (luck) control life? Why do you think this view of life is important?
*This is the only sources to answer these questions*
Classics of Moral and Political Theory, ed. 4 or 5, Michael Morgan.