Polityka jako manipulacja

The author addresses the issue of manipulation in politics. He first defines the concept of manipulation, and then analyzes two “classical” concepts of politics: Aristotle and Machiavelli. While Aristotle states that an immoral man is incapable of being a politician, Machiavelli argues that a prince must “be able not to be good.” This is a consequence of his conviction that most of those served are egoists who, in the name of self-interest, can choose what is destructive to the state, and in the long run also to themselves. The key term to explain this fact is ‘blinding’ and ‘self-deception’. The author then considers why some people are resistant to politicians’ attempts at manipulation. Finally, he concludes with an analysis of the two faces of democracy: salvific and pragmatic.