Machiavelli based political philosophy on empirical means rather than moral ends

Evidence

His political philosophy is scientific and empirical, based upon his own experience of affairs, concerned to set forth the means to assigned ends, regardless of the question whether the ends are to be considered good or bad. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1870

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 1870
• XREF: connects to: Aristotle defines good and bad governments by ethical intent rather than constitution — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 812; Legal systems rest on customary social rules rather than moral foundations — HLA Hart, The Concept of Law (Clarendon Law…, 56; Realist political theory adopts the powerholder’s viewpoint (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Legal systems rest on customary social rules rather than moral foundations #corroborates (0.75) — HLA Hart, The Concept of Law (Clarendon Law…, 56