Plato and Machiavelli are arguably both virtue theorists but they disagree about whether the virtues are the same for all of us. What is a virtue (for the ancient Greeks)? How is Machiavelli’s account of virtue different?

Answer one of the following questions in a short essay of about 1000-1200 words (about four pages). As each question suggests, the answer needs to be connected to the texts. Make connections using references to the text, and short quotes to support your paper’s claims:

1. Plato and Machiavelli are arguably both virtue theorists but they disagree about whether the virtues are the same for all of us. What is a virtue (for the ancient Greeks)? How is Machiavelli’s account of virtue different?

2. You have been appointed sovereign of Notropia, a small country consisting of several islands. Recently, there has been an insurrection on one of the islands, and the inhabitants of that island have declared independence. What actions should you take as sovereign? You should explain the reasons for your actions by drawing on any two of Plato, Machiavelli or Hobbes.

3. Is Hobbes’ sovereign Machiavelli’s prince? How might Hobbes’ account of sovereign power be considered a general account of Machiavelli’s advice to princes? In what significant ways do the accounts differ?

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