Machiavelli's understanding of politics

Marjanović, Mislav. (2017). Machiavelli's understanding of politics. Diploma Thesis. Filozofski fakultet u Zagrebu, Department of Philosophy
Department of Comparative Literature. [mentor Raunić, Raul].

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Abstract

The main focus of this thesis is to analyze and interpret the novelty of Machiavelli's understanding of politics. It will explain Machiavelli’s method of political philosophy, and the role of theory in relation to politics itself. The thesis further discusses Machiavelli's three main concepts in order to explain his vision of politics. These three concepts, namely power, virtù and fortune, are analyzed with a focus on their meanings and dynamic mutual relation. The thesis posits an integrity in Machiavelli's political theory, which means that a continuity can be found between his two main political works – The Prince and The Discourses. Finally, this work aims to outline Machiavelli's political vision of republican virtues, which should be followed by any society, according to his theory. According to this vision of a republic, the guarantee of the freedom of the people is a precondition of a strong and powerful state. Also, it is important to raise awareness of civic virtue, which means citizens’ commitment to the common good of society, and its domination over private good. This can be achieved by providing a republican and mixed constitutional order, which provides a balance between the opposed social interests along with an influence of the good legislation, an impact of non-Christian religion, and continuous fight against corruption in a society.

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