Understanding Machiavelli's The Prince

Machiavelli has a reputation as an immoral thinker. His most famous work, The Prince, is often criticized as being a manual for political cunning and cynicism.

On the contrary, Machiavelli invites us to face up to political and human reality. Faced with illusions and moralistic rhetoric, we must seek the truth and adopt a scientific approach to seriously reflect upon action.

This introduction provides us with the keys to understanding The Prince, a foundational book of modern political thought, and the relevance of its teachings for our contemporary societies.

 

Denis Collin is a professor of philosophy and holds a doctorate in literature and humanities. His many publications include Morale et justice sociale (Éditions du Seuil, 2001), Revive la République (Armand Colin, 2005) and, published by Max Milo, Le Cauchemar de Marx (2009), La Longueur de la chaîne (2009), Comprendre Marx et le capital (2011).

Laura Acquaviva is an illustrator and graphic designer. Her illustrations include Comprendre Foucault (Jean-Clet Martin, Max Milo, 2014) and Rousseau (Marie-Pierre Frondziak, 2015).