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Plato to Nato

BBC Radio 4
on BBC Radio 4 FM

- an introduction to political thought
Seven programmes with Brian Redhead
3: Machiavelli and Calvin Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) lived during a period of constant turmoil and war. After a career as civil servant and diplomat, the years from 1512 to his death were ones of rejection and he devoted himself to study - with results that ensured him a lasting place in the history of political thought. His book The Prince was designed to show the new prince of the Medici how to gain, hold and increase political power.
Unlike Machiavelli, Jean Calvin (1509-64) believed that all rightful authority is derived from God.
Calvin was a prime mover of the Reformation and his thought - both theological and political - can be found in his Institution of Christian Religion.
Producer CHRISTOPHER STONE

Contributors

Unknown:
Brian Redhead
Unknown:
Calvin Niccolo MacHiavelli
Unknown:
Jean Calvin
Producer:
Christopher Stone
Source: Radio Times

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