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A Critical Analysis of Machavelli's View … Z . Kabiri et al (97
more powerful is desirable injustice; even the just actions
and has more value. that cause weakness are
(Machiavelli, 2019a: 27) considered bad and cruel
actions that bring power are
3. Way of Determining good. He wrote in the book of
the Criteria of the “Discourse”:
Value of Moral Action When the security of our
Machiavelli argues that if the country is in danger, justly
criteria of values are not or unjustly, consideration
found in nature as their of what is just or unjust,
primary source, they should merciful or cruel, is not
be sought in the empirical worthy; it is shameful, just
study of history as their there should be concern for
secondary source. (Benner, power. (Machiavelli, 1883,
2009: 131-132) Part. 3, Chapter. 41: 293)
Therefore, he believes that
by referring to nature and In other words, he supports
history, we can comprehend the immoral behaviour of the
what actions strengthen our ruler if it leads to the strength
sense of power and what of the country and does not
actions weaken this sense, the propose his advice.
first type is considered virtues According to Machiavelli's
and the second type are vices. moral system, it is impossible
(Ibid: 343-346) to defend these two moral
Machiavelli has turned to principles accepted by all
oppressing in order to escape moral systems and all wise
from being oppressed. He people, that “Justice is Good”
overlooks inherent goodness and “Cruelty is Bad”. Anything
and badness, justice and that serves to increase power
