High School Ancient History Lesson 26: Machiavelli versus Erasmus: Realism versus Idealism

Note that with the modem perspective of the individual, changes in politics and perspectives of human nature in general were to follow.

Complete the following outline with your notes.

I. Historical Backgrounds to Machiavelli and Erasmus
     A. Nicolo Machiavelli
     B. Desiderius Erasmus
II. Advice to Princes
     A. Machiavelli -The Prince
          1. Modern view of individuals
          2. Machiavelli vs. Saint Augustine
     B. Erasmus -The Education of a Christian Prince

Readings: The Prince, Machiavelli and Education of a Christian Prince, Erasmus