Are we ruled by reason or emotion or habit?

You are the moderator of an imaginary dialogue discussion that you have written down between Machiavelli, Castiglione, Erasmus, More, and Montaigne. Begin your dialogue by asking them to discuss human nature. Are we naturally good or bad? Or do we become good or bad depending on one’s circumstances? Are we ruled by reason or emotion or habit?
Next consider ask your speakers to discuss why there is so much conflict in human societies. What causes these conflicts? What forms do they take? What steps, if any, can be taken to achieve if not peace, then at least less conflict? In their discussion of these steps, make sure your speakers consider the roles played by Justice, Law, God, and History.
It is critical that each speaker state ideas and positions that are consistent with what we have learned about their views from our readings and prior work in the papers and discussion boards. Make specific references in their texts to back up your characterization of their views. Show where they agree and why, and where they disagree and why. Finally, make sure to situate what your speakers say in the historical context of Renaissance humanism using our textbook and other course materials.

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