Theorists and Philosophers for Law Enforcement Ethics Training: Machiavelli

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    Yet it cannot be called talent to slay fellow-citizens, to deceive friends, to be without faith, without
    mercy, without religion; such methods may gain empire, but not glory.
    - Machiavelli
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    Machiavelli

    Niccolo Machiavelli lived in Italy from 1469 - 1527. He was a political philosopher and diplomat. His
    most famous work, The Prince (1513), became popular for its approach to political philosophy. (1) The
    book was widely interpreted as instructing rulers on how to manipulate others in opportunistic and
    deceptive ways. The phrase, "Machivellian" is now used to suggest deceit and cunning.

    Although Machievelli is sometimes cited by modern law enforcement ethics teachers, his approach to
    justice and ethics was elitist, authoritarian and supported a separation of classes between the ruling
    class and the common people. His philosophies are difficult for modern Americans to embrace
    because they encourage punitive separations between social classes.

    Robin Chew (May, 1996) describes Machiavelli's work:

       In The Prince, Machiavelli offered a monarchical ruler advice designed to keep that ruler in power.  
       He recommended policies that would discourage mass political activism, and channel subjects'   
       energies into private pursuits. Machiavelli wanted to persuade the monarch that he could best
       preserve his power by the judicious use of violence, by respecting private property and the
       traditions of his subjects, and by promoting material prosperity. Machiavelli held that political life
       cannot be governed by a single set of moral or religious absolutes, and that the monarch may
       sometimes be excused for performing acts of violence and deception that would be ethically
       indefensible in private life. (ibid)

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    (1) Chew, R., (May, 1996). From the Lucid Cafe Interactive web site. Retrieved April 3, 2004 from htp:
    //www.lucidcafe.com/library/96may/machiavelli.html
Dr. Frank Kardasz  P.O. Box 45048 Phoenix, AZ 85064
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Ethics Training for Law Enforcement