The Machiavellians

Fine intro to an authentic science of politics

The "Machiavellian" writers Burnham discusses span a rather diverse spectrum of views. What they have in common is an objective, scientific approach to politics that avoids allowing wishful thinking, or ideas about what ought to be, to impede their discernment of the way things actually are.

I disagreed with Burnham's tendency to dismiss religious ideas as inherently irrationalist. Also, his attempt at clarification in response to Machiavelli's reputation ignores the fact that Machiavelli did, after all, offer some amoral advice, not just non-moral analysis. While some of Burnhams predictions proved correct only in the short run, his method contains within itself the the capacity for self-correction, which is part of the whole point of the book.

This book remains invaluable for all who seek to develop a scientific understanding of politics, regardless of their philosophical persuasion.

8 people found this helpful

Serious political science

The narration could drone, but the content was excellent. Many sections worth re-listening to and bookmarking. Filled with political myth busting and strategies and structures for preserving liberty in the real world.

1 person found this helpful

Great content and narration

The content is great, even if, as the author admits in the preface, there are slight overstatements here and there. The spirit of the project is worth engaging in. And I was surprised by how good the narration is. The narrator is obviously well acquainted with the content.

Incredibly insightful

This book attempts to lay the foundations for a scientific theory of politics and society. The theories presented mostly come from the Italian school of elitism. The author additionally applies his framework to modern times (1940s for him) to briefly describe the revolution that the world had experienced over the previous 70 years.

This book is unusual in that it attempts to apply a materialist scientific lens to class structure and elite rule but it does so from a center right (somewhat libertarian) perspective. Historically attempts at a scientific analysis of class struggle have come from the left.

This book is definitely worth reading for anyone looking for a unique perspective on politics and freedom.

Vry Insightful

An honest and realistic investigation of political science. Well narrated. A must read for all serious political philosophy students.

Mediocrity

The best use of time would be to read Machiavelli. Mediocre academics only serves the academics.