Machiavelli, Leonardo, and the Science of Power

by Roger D. Masters

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.

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, History

406 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Benjaminxjackson]

This is an interesting book about art, history, politics, and science. It explores the relationships between these disciplines and contains an intriguing idea about reading Machiavelli's 'The Prince' as a subversive document rather than as a straight forward manual for power.

[Kate]

Read this in Government 72: Human Nature and Politics taught by Professor Roger Masters.