Reference no: EM133718830

Description

Select one prompt and write a claim-based essay in response to it. Make sure you have understood the prompt, spent adequate time on prewriting activities, and written a detailed outline before you begin writing.

Question 1. Probably the chief ethical issue raised by The Prince is the question if the desired ends justify the means used to achieve them. Write an essay in which you take a stand on this question. Begin by defining the issue: What does the concept "the ends justify the means" actually mean? What difficulties may arise when unworthy means are used to achieve worthy ends? Analyze Machiavelli's references to circumstances in which questionable means were (or should have been) used to achieve worthy ends. Use historical or personal examples to give your argument substance.

Question 2. Although Lao-tzu's Master is a type of sage who is concerned with his people's spiritual well-being, he is also a political ruler who attends to his people's social well-being and the prosperity of his country. How does the Master's political rule (advised by Lao-tzu in "Thoughts from the Tao-teChing") compare to the Prince's political rule (advised by Machiavelli in The Prince)? Write an essay in which you compare significant aspects of their political rule (the ruler's reputation among the people, for example)

Question 3. Machiavelli's view of people is that in general, they are selfish, deceitful,and untrustworthy. He states this directly in the text. Lao-tzu, on the otherhand, isn't so explicit, but his advice to the Master reveals what he believesabout human nature. How do Lao-tzu's beliefs about human naturecompare to Machiavelli's? Write an essay in which you compare significantaspects of their beliefs about human nature (people's trustworthiness, forexample).