300 word response1reference/intext citation
Due 1/17/2025
Ronnie
Explain how Machiavellianism works differently from Ethical Relativism and if Ethical Relativism would result in a different conclusion if the administrative agency is acting ethical or not in passing such a new regulation.
In my opinion, I tend to favor strongly with libertarian views on student loan forgiveness. Although I have student loans myself, I believe the United States provides us with the ability to choose from thousands of higher education options. Therefore, I believe that college students should take responsibility for their own financial decisions. Each American can choose community college and find the best affordable option for them without running themselves into thousands of dollars in debt. For example, if my commercial bank provides me with a loan, it is outrageous for that loan to be forgiven with other people’s hard-earned money invested in that bank just because the loan was too much money for me to pay off that I decided to take out to begin with.
The ethical theory that has been chosen for me is Machiavellianism. Machiavellianism is characterized by high levels of self-interest where they see other people as a means to an end. The trait was named after Niccolo Machiavelli who was a political philosopher and authored
The Prince (1532), which was his own instruction guide for new princes that illustrated his theory. Machiavelli essentially argued that rulers should do absolutely whatever is necessary to hold onto and maintain their power. Thus, Machiavellians lack empathy and manipulate others for their own personal advantages to win over diverse groups. Therefore, Machiavellians support one interest group and would not take a diverse array of ideas or opinions from others, unless it favors them. Essentially, this theory states that acting in your own best interest and not considering others is the best political strategy.
When it comes to student loan forgiveness from a Machiavellian perspective, being against widespread student loan forgiveness is likely to be centered around maintaining power and prioritizing the power of the authority, or leader. From a Machiavellian standpoint, forgiving student loans could be seen with long-term economic consequences and backlash from the wealthiest taxpayers in the country, including those who paid for their college tuition without loans. Therefore, from a Machiavellian perspective, this would not protect one’s positive public opinion, and more money can then be given to the leader instead of the citizens. Student loan forgiveness would also create a divide between those in favor of forgiveness and those not. When President Joe Biden directed the US Department of Education to forgive loans to many former students, the political conversation was intense and divided and many felt anger towards the Biden administration. As mentioned earlier, Machiavellianism argues to do what is necessary to maintain power and be a strong leader. Thus, by opposing student loan forgiveness, the leader can be seen as one who believes their citizens must work hard to pay off their loans, which could be seen as favorable to the majority.
Along with being a strong leader comes with also being favorable to the public. Thus, if student loan forgiveness had negative consequences on the economy, there could be major political consequences to the leader’s career. In other words, it is almost better to ignore the topic of student loan forgiveness and not allocate the funds anywhere but where the Machiavellian leader wants them to be allocated. Machiavellian leaders also do not want to drain the state’s resources, so a Machiavellian leader would tread lightly when it comes to massive debt forgiveness. In conclusion, a Machiavellian and I would likely be against student loan forgiveness as it changes public perception, opinion, and has the potential to disrupt the economy and risk one’s political career.
