Morals and Ethics in The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

In The Prince, Machiavelli discusses morality and ethics concerning secular powers, specifically principalities and secular government. On the other hand, Erasmus discusses the role of morality and personal ethics with regards to religious institutions, specifically the church. While both address different institutions, both express similar viewpoints on many issues. Both agree that personal ethics and morals run thin in the institutions. However, while Machiavelli attempts to completely decouple the actions of good rulers from personal ethics, Erasmus argues that the church has lost track of its original principles down the line.

In The Prince, Machiavelli attempts to completely decouple the actions of a good ruler from personal ethics. Machiavelli begins to do this by first establishing what he believes human nature to be Machiavelli argues that numerous traits that are innate among humans. Among these, Machiavelli argues that people are generally self-interested, but that their affections for others can be won and lost. They tend to remain happy so long they avoid affliction or oppression. He also argues that they might be trustworthy in prosperous times, but they can turn selfish, deceitful, and profit-driven in adverse times. They admire honor, generosity, courage, and piety in others, but most do not pursue these virtues in their own life. Finally, Machiavelli argues that ambition is found in those who have achieved some power, but most common people are satisfied with the way things are and therefore do not yearn to improve on the status quo. People will naturally feel obligated after receiving a favor or service, and this bond is usually not broken capriciously. Nevertheless, loyalties are won and lost, and goodwil...

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...void money at all costs, but many cannot resist women or wine, all without recognizing the hypocrisy. It is important to note that while the observance of these superficial rules makes men of religion and monks think that they are getting closer to the original ideals of Christianity, they are actually straying farther from one of Christianity’s most basic principles, simplicity. Each monk points to his own sacrifices and particularities of faith, never remembering that Christ judges each based off of his own standard of charity. However, the thing which Erasmus criticizes the most about monks, and one of the biggest sources of corruption he sees in the church, that they hold the key to the confessional. They know that they hold the power to rectify a person’s relationship with God, and can abuse this power freely, despite the fact that this is highly immoral.