Harvey Mansfield says that Machiavelli’s recognition of the effectual truth makes him the author of modernity. Whether this is an overstatement, Machiavelli does present a groundbreaking concept of “virtù” that distinguishes his theory from the classical ethics of Aristotle and from the ethical teachings of the Church. Because Machiavelli offers no specific definition of virtù, this presentation attempts to summarize Machiavelli’s use of the concept from his discussion of states and princes. Based on the virtuous qualities that Machiavelli praises in states and princes, this presentation concludes that Machiavelli’s virtù refers to the republican virtue of the state and the many; and the princely virtù of the few.
Presentation deriving from senior honors thesis with Patrick Coby, Esther Booth Wiley 1934 professor of government.