Professor to Host Machiavelli Talk at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, 9/15

On Sunday, September 15 at 2 p.m., Professor Gerry Milligan will present "Machiavelli and Machiavellian Politics for the Modern World," at the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum. Professor Milligan will introduce the basic tenents of Machiavelli's political thought, explore his writings in the context of the historical realities of his time and discuss the relevance of Machiavellianism in our contemporary political culture. This presentation will commemorate the 500th anniversary of Machiavelli's publication of "Il Principe" ("The Prince").

Professor Milligan explains the importance of Machiavelli's writings, even after 500 years: "Machiavelli is often called the father of modern political science. What seems so 'modern' about Machiavelli's politics is also what has inspired many of his readers to think of him as cynical or even cruel. His manipulation of public opinion, the pretense of doing good while not actually doing it, and the mantra 'the ends justify the means' (a statement Machiavelli never actually made), are the legacies of this Italian Renaissance thinker. In the current climate of public distrust of politicians and scandals around government incursions on civil liberties in the name of security, Machiavelli seems more relevant than ever."

In 2010, Gerry Milligan authored and co-directed the College of Staten Island's new Italian Studies major. In addition to classes on Italian language, he teaches courses on Medieval and Renaissance literature and culture. He encourages students to investigate literature as productions of cultures distant in time that continue to inform contemporary life in interesting and unexpected ways. Taking advantage of New York's cultural richness, he organizes trips to the Cloisters Museum, the Frick collection, and Italian cinema events, and encourages students to travel beyond New York. Because of his sincere interest in study abroad, he has been an active participant in the development and continuation of CSI's Isola Scholarship, which has sent several deserving students to Italy.

Admission of $10, $5 for members, includes a light reception.