Intro

Modern political thought is said to have began with the works of Niccolo Machiavelli. The
differentiation of modern and classical thought is not identified by a definite time period but is
differentiated by the tenets and principles expounded by the various theorist belonging to either
group. Plato, Aristotle and Aquinas are considered classical political thinkers and (examples of
modern). Major themes of Machiavelli, the father of political thought were. (Aim) Machiavelli
concerns himself with the acquisition, retention and expansion of power.
Background
Tenet 1 (Human Nature)
Modern political thought is characterized by a shift to humanism from spirituality in theorizing
about society and human nature. Underpinning Machiavellis thought that made him a modern
man and different from that of his classical counterparts was his very realistic and normative
view about human nature that maybe described by some as pessimistic. Unlike previous
philosophers and commentators on humanity and government, he does not seek to create an ideal
society that might be like that of Plato and Aristotle, but rather seeks to define human nature at is
most basic level and define the motivations and means by which to control and govern it.
Classical thinkers s
Tenet 2 (Religion and the State Nationalism)
An essential principle of Machiavelli that makes him the first modern political thinker was his
break with traditional view of political as a means to a higher end. Machiavelli views politics as
an en

Application
Today do to Machiavellis very realisitics political though his views are still very relevant when
analyzing modern politics, states and even the way multinational business tycoons operate.