Direct naar content

Machiavelli on how democracies die

Almost nothing stands the test of time. Machiavelli's writings are a rare exception.


Why are we still talking about Machiavelli, nearly 500 years after his death? What is it about his political philosophy that feels so important, prescient, or maybe chilling today?


In this episode, Sean speaks with political philosopher and writer Erica Benner about Niccolo Machiavelli’s legacy. The two discuss The Prince, Machiavelli’s views on democracy, and what he might say about the Trump administration were he alive today.


Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling)
Guest: Erica Benner, political philosopher, historian, and author of Be Like the Fox


Listen to The Gray Area ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members


Help us plan for the future of The Gray Area by filling out a brief survey: voxmedia.com/survey. Thank you!


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Datum:
Duur:

Meer afleveringen van The Gray Area with Sean Illing

  • Machiavelli on how democracies die

    Almost nothing stands the test of time. Machiavelli's writings are a rare exception. Why are we still talking about Machiavelli, nearly 500 years after his death? What is it about his political philosophy that feels so important,...
  • Do you have moral ambition?

    We’re told from a young age to achieve. Get good grades. Get into a good school. Get a good job. Be ambitious about earning a high salary or a high-status position. Some of us love this endless climb. But lots of us, at least once in...
  • The science of ideology

    What do you do when you’re faced with evidence that challenges your ideology? Do you engage with that new information? Are you willing to change your mind about your most deeply held beliefs? Are you pre-disposed to be more rigid or...