Machiavelli, Leonardo, and the Science of Power

In recent years, Niccolò Machiavelli's works have been viewed primarily with historical interest as analysis of the tactics used by immoral political officials. Roger D. Masters, a leading expert in the relationship between modern natural sciences and politics, argues boldly in this book that Machiavelli should be reconsidered as a major philosopher whose thought makes the wisdom of antiquity accessible to the modern (and post-modern) condition, and whose understanding of human nature is superior to that of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, or Mill. Central to Masters's claim is his discovery, based on previously untranslated documents, that Machiavelli knew and worked with Leonardo da Vinci between 1502-1507. An interdisciplinary tour de force, Machiavelli, Leonardo, and the Science of Power will challenge, perplex, and ultimately delight readers with its evocative story of the relationship between Machiavelli and da Vinci, their crucial roles in the emergence of modernity, and the vast implications this holds for contemporary life and society.

About the author

Roger D. Masters is Nelson A. Rockefeller Professor of Government, Emeritus, at Dartmouth College. He published 16 books and is the author of over 125 scholarly articles. His most recent books include The Neurotransmitter Revolution: Serotonin, Social Behavior and Law and Beyond Relativism: Science and Human Values.

Summary

Arguing that Niccolo Machiavelli should be reconsidered as a major philosopher, this book includes an account of the relationship between Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci, their roles in the emergence of modernity, and the implications this holds for contemporary life and society.

Product details

• Authors: Roger D. Masters
• Publisher: University Of Notre Dame Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 09.07.1996
• EAN: 9780268014339
• ISBN: 978-0-268-01433-9
• No. of pages: 406
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 22 mm
• Weight: 586 g
• Series: Frank M.Covey, Jr., Loyola Lec; Frank M.Covey, Jr., Loyola Lectures in Political Analysis; Frank M.Covey, Jr., Loyola Lectures in Political Analysis; Frank M. Covey, Jr., Loyola Lectures in Political Analysis
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political theories and the history of ideas