Customer Reviews

Socrates Meets Machiavelli: The Father of Philosophy Cross-Examines the Author of The Prince

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This was a thoroughly enjoyable little book, and the first I read in Kreeft's series. The funny thing I found in this pamphlet is the personalities of the characters are the exact opposite of what I expected. Both fellows I've always suspected were a bit mental. You may remember Socrates standing in the middle of a street for several hours deep in thought. The Socrates in the book would more likely have stepped into a Starbucks, looking less conspicuous. There are some emotional moments where at one point I was in shock. At other times, I would break out in laughter. Because Machi is a funny guy. I look forward to future volumes one of which was mentioned by Socrates. I was thinking it would be great to see Socrates cross-examine Neitzsche, but Kreeft mentioned another philosopher whom Socrates would meet--Kant. I can't wait.

I always thought Machiavelli was over-rated and generally provided ideas that would, in the long run, prove to be counter-productive. Kreeft, a master of Socratean logic, provides both a presentation of Machiavelli's perspective and an application of logic that corroborates my thinking. Naturally, then, I like this small booklet. ;)

The best use of this book is after studying the logic of Socrates (it will give you an example of its application) and reading "The Prince" (so you get a chance to form your own judgment). You may find yourself re-reading sections so as to get better clarity of how logic builds on itself. The book is small enough to allow that without feeling like you are falling behind and will never get through it.

I don't have time to go into much detail. I do want to write that I read this book in two sittings. It was very enlightening. I was able to finish my mid-term essay on Machiavelli and Plato using this book as one of my resources.

I highly recommend this book to all philosophy students--or those just interested in philosophy or politics.