Academy in One Day
Unarguably the most infamous of all the great works of political philosophy, Niccolo Machiavelli’s Il Principe has inspired revulsion and adoration in almost equal measure. For some, it is a handbook for evil, an appeal for politics where the ends always justify the means, and where ‘Old Nick’ tells rulers they must ‘learn not to be good’. For others, as it was for some of the American Founding Fathers, it is a republican call-to-arms, asserting the sanctity of the public realm and the goods of self-government. And, since Rousseau, some have even been tempted read it as satire.

A wickedly honest and endlessly provocative book, The Prince has inspired intense debate since even before its posthumous publication in 1532, and its heady mix of Roman Republicanism, Renaissance Humanism and real-world focus makes it a great introduction to political philosophy.

Speakers
Professor Elizabeth Frazer
head of department, Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford; fellow in politics, New College Oxford

Chair
Jacob Reynolds
consultant, SHM Productions 

Machiavelli, The Prince

Listen to recordings of our discussions and debates. Our aim is to expand the boundaries of public debate, to break out of today's echo chambers and challenge orthodoxies.

Machiavelli, The Prince

Academy of Ideas