November 18th, 2020 
I am answering this exact prompt:
Critically assess the following interpretation of The Prince, citing specific evidence from the text to support your argument:
The Prince is a manual of political tactics, not a work of political philosophy. Machiavellis sole concern in writing this book was to show how an ambitious ruler or would-be ruler could increase his own power. The great themes of political philosophy, including justice, the common good, and human nature, are largely absent from the book, since Machiavellis concern was wholly practical and directed towards the well-being of princes rather than being theoretical or public-spirited.
The guidelines are given in the attached document. Please write the essay from the point of view that “The Prince” is indeed a work of political philosophy, and not a tactical manual. Basically disagree with the quote above.
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