Critically assess the following interpretation of The Prince, citing specific evidence from the text to support your argument:

The Prince is a manual of political tactics, not a work of political philosophy. Machiavellis sole concern in writing this book was to show how an ambitious ruler or would-be ruler could increase his own power. The great themes of political philosophy, including justice, the common good, and human nature, are largely absent from the book, since Machiavellis concern was wholly practical and directed towards the well-being of princes rather than being theoretical or public-spirited.

(Note: in answering this question you may find it useful to consult Mansfields Glossary to The Prince as well as his Introduction. But nothing in the Introduction counts as evidence in itself; your interpretation must be backed up by specific references to the text of The Prince.)

NO OUTSIDE TEXTS CAN BE USED BUT THE PRINCE BY MACHIAVELLI !!!