Niccolò Machiavelli was a thinker who laid the foundation for modern political philosophy as the author of “The Prince,” also serving as a diplomat, political scientist, historian, and playwright in the Republic of Florence.
While ancient philosophy discussed politics from a moral perspective, asking, ‘How should politics be?’ Machiavelli initiated modern political philosophy from a highly realistic viewpoint, asking, ‘How does politics actually work in the real world?’
Although criticized for Machiavellianism, which states that any means and methods are justified to achieve political goals, the reason Machiavelli’s ideas are still highly valued today is because he argued that these political objectives must be achieved to ensure the freedom of the people. Machiavelli’s assertion that the masses are at the core of politics became the catalyst for the revival of republican discourse in modern Europe.
“Jeong Ui-seok’s Machiavelli’s Debate Class”
As Machiavelli lived in the 15th century, he is an individual with whom we cannot directly engage in debate. The book titled “Machiavelli’s Debate Class” by Jeong Ui-seok is structured in a format where Jeong Ui-seok seeks answers based on Machiavelli’s work “Discourses on Livy.”
Since the book adopts a format where “Jeong Ui-seok” and “Machiavelli” engage in dialogue, it is titled “Machiavelli’s Debate Class.”
Someone once said that reading a book is like having a conversation with the person who wrote it. In light of this statement, reading “Discourses on Livy” and engaging in conversation with Machiavelli can be seen as conversing with him. Moreover, the current author engages in conversation with Jeong Ui-seok while reading the book, which can also be interpreted as conversing with him.
“Machiavelli’s Debate Class: Unraveling the Content around Power and Authority”
The book explores topics such as power, authority, and competition. It focuses on those who possess power and those who do not, prompting us to contemplate how we, living in modern society, should navigate our lives wisely amidst these phenomena.
The most notable aspect of “Discourses on Livy” is our current position. The book emphasizes that our strategies for life differ depending on whether we belong to the privileged class or the underprivileged class.
“A Book with Diverse References and Modern Examples”
Since the book is based on “Discourses on Livy,” it extensively quotes from Machiavelli’s work. Additionally, it introduces real-world issues such as the subprime crisis and Brexit, alongside the content of “Discourses on Livy.”
Through the various references in the book, it conveys the message that we should act based on strategies suitable for our roles, depending on our position in society. While it doesn’t explicitly discuss taking action, it presents past cases, analyzes the current situation, and suggests appropriate life strategies and tactics.
“Each life has its own unique value, and there should be no coercion or intervention.”
As mentioned in the book, each life has its own unique value, and coercion or intervention should be avoided. This is a crucial point not to be overlooked.
Written in a format that feels like having a conversation with the author based on Machiavelli’s “Discourses on Livy,” “Machiavelli’s Debate Class” is an impressive book that unveils phenomena in modern society based on past wisdom, introducing strategies we should adopt.
“Machiavelli’s Debate Class”
- Author: Jeong Ui-seok
- Publication Date: April 20, 2017
- ISBN13: 13-9788987390055
- Available at Kyobo Books: http://app.ac/UqpNKu213