Who is associated with the ideas 'might makes right' and 'the ends justify the means'?

• A. Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince (1513)
• B. Galileo Galilei
• C. Nicolaus Copernicus
• D. Leonardo da Vinci

Answer: (A)

The idea hinges on pragmatic, power-centered thinking about leadership. Niccolò Machiavelli, in The Prince, lays out a view of rule that emphasizes what works to gain and maintain authority in a dangerous, volatile political landscape. The notion that “might makes right” reflects the belief that force, intimidation, and coercive power can determine political outcomes, and that a ruler’s legitimacy often rests on effective control rather than strict moral virtue. Closely tied is the idea that “the ends justify the means,” meaning actions taken to secure the state’s stability and power can be considered acceptable if they achieve those ultimate goals. Machiavelli argues that a successful ruler should act with cunning, decisiveness, and sometimes harsh measures if those moves protect the state and preserve power, especially when fortune and rivals threaten stability. Understanding the historical context—Italy’s fragmented states and constant power struggles—helps explain why such a ruthless, outcome-focused approach made sense in his analysis. The other figures are known for science and art, not for political philosophy about power and legitimacy.