political philosophy - it is a separate field of intellectual research aimed at understanding the features and power of the state, as well as the duties and rights of its citizens.This science, like other normative theory, specializes in clarifying values, highlighting the moral and desirable standards for every single individual and the system of power in the country as a whole.Political philosophy, formed under the influence of certain ideas, the actual position covers the basic characteristic of European countries in different historical periods.Analyzing the nature of power and the behavior of the country's leaders, scholars of the Middle Ages and Modern Times is well aware that the sovereign acts should be directed to change for the better and to prevent the deterioration of the existing reality.
Doctrine Machiavelli
Machiavelli's political philosophy was shaped by the harsh reality that is characteristic for Italy in the XV century.Although scientists rather negatively assess the role of religion and the Church, striving to suppress every person and to impose their vision of reality, the philosopher sees in this institution and rational.For Machiavelli believed that due to the direction of action of the clergy can be combined fractured polity in the strong power and unite the people.
However, the Catholic Church, in contrast, did not seek to lead Italy to flourish as strongly opposed the unification of the country under the leadership of a secular politician who served as king.Machiavelli believed that the state should manage a reasonable policy that does not violate the norms of morality, but when necessary can not practice good, and take the most appropriate solution for a particular situation.Depending on its goal of any governor can choose all kinds of means to enable it to succeed and achieve the desired.
Doctrine in the Renaissance
socio-political philosophy of the Renaissance - a fusion of different representations of scientists about the nature of government and society, often formed under the influence of various utopian ideas.Since the life of Europeans of the time viewed the job of religious belief, many of the ideas dealt with the changing role of the Church in government.So, in many countries, comes in place of Catholicism, Protestantism, denying the power of the Pope, and the direction this religious ruler allowed to conduct an independent policy, without any intervention from the Vatican.
In the Renaissance political philosophy largely relied on the doctrine of Machiavelli, and the most prominent scientists were convinced that the purpose of existence of the state is to suppress the low-lying features of each individual.Therefore, the governor has only to appear noble, but do not be so in fact, because otherwise it will be overthrown by hackers.
ideal state
political philosophy of XVII-XIX centuries, embraced the idea of what the qualities of a modern ruler, and many scientists have tried to imagine the ideal state.Especially highlighted the teachings of the utopian socialists Tommaso Campanella, and Thomas More, where a mythical image of the country in which social justice prevails and completely eliminated all the contradictions between the leadership and the citizens.Moore criticized hereditary power, and offered to choose all the rulers and officials on the basis of universal suffrage.In reality, almost all states until the end of XIX century the monarch's power is absolute, so the idea of the utopian socialists ahead of their time.