The Concept of “Virtu” in Machiavelli’s Political Theory: Princely Virtu and Civic Virtu from “The Prince” and “Discourses”
Number of pages:
5
ABSTRACT:
This is a 5 page paper discussing Machiavelli’s Princely and civic “virtu”. Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an Italian politician and philosopher during the Italian Renaissance but was also tortured by the Medici and understood the various levels of politics within the society of the day. Despite his hardships within the political system, Machiavelli’s writings were often considered ahead of their time in the protection of Italy as a country. His political theories were best bestowed in two of his better known works “The Prince” and “Discourses”. “The Prince” discussed what was needed in order for a Prince to maintain his Principality in what is now known as Machiavellian concepts of “whatever means necessary”. Princely “virtu” was not to be confused with”virtue”. “Virtu” for Machiavelli was a certain strength and wisdom which was required by a Prince to use violent means when necessary in preserving his country. In “Discourses”, commissioned by the Medici which was to offer advice in regards to a new constitution, Machiavelli also introduced the term “virtu” as it can be applied to a republic. Republican civic “virtu” was a strength required by the people to provide well formed and founded debates in order to make the proper determination as to who would be their leader and the structure of their political system. Machiavelli uses the existence of both Princely virtu and civic virtu to explain the success of the Roman invasions and the maintenance of their republics. A Prince with virtu needed people with virtu in his armies to be able to conquer and control others and to maintain an element of fear to not expect retaliation. Civic virtu could further be applied to continue an endless succession of Princes of virtu and the establishment of civic virtu is also essential for the maintenance of the strength of the Republic.
Bibliography lists 3 sources.
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File: D0_TJVirtu1.rtf
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