Machiavelli and Rational Control | Interview: Harvey Mansfield

Modern political philosophy centers on the concept of "rational control"—the use of unreason by reason to achieve supposedly reasonable goals. Harvey Mansfield, a long-time professor of government at Harvard, argues that this shift began with Machiavelli, who prioritized "effectual truth" and necessity over traditional morality and divine providence. By replacing the ancient focus on the "good" with a doctrine of mastery, modern thinkers paved the way for contemporary rationalism, which often simplifies complex human virtues like courage and moderation into social engineering projects. This transition from classical political thought to modern rationalism explains the current drive for autonomy, where individuals seek to be their own law. Ultimately, this intellectual trajectory challenges the foundational reliance on human nature and traditional conventions, leading to a political landscape where instrumental efficiency frequently supersedes moral deliberation.