Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Existing studies of virt� underestimate Machiavelli�s interest in its revitalization. By conceiving the revitalization of virt� as Machiavelli�s primary concern, this paper reveals the connections between virt�, mode of proceeding, and umori (humors). Virt� refers to the capacity to cope with adversity. It is nothing but a right mode of proceeding in a right moment. For Machiavelli, mode of proceeding is partly dictated by nature, i.e., humor, partly by political constitution. The latter is gotten through political constitution. Umori has two meanings: the humor in the human body and the political forces that constitute the state as a mixed body. Each individual�s mode of proceeding can solve a certain kind of problem in a certain kind of circumstance. However, it cannot solve every kind of problem in every kind of circumstance. Inflexible virt� cannot cope with whimsical situations. Rather, an unpredictable world can be managed only by a constitution, which can recruit as many virtuous men as possible and put them in the right place. But first, it is important to constitute the umori of the state - the people and the nobility - to make Governo largo, a broadly based republic. Governo largo or popular government makes it possible for men with different kinds of virt� to solve different kinds of problems. Furthermore, the broadly based republic teaches its citizens the virtuous mode of proceeding, such as acting for the public good. Virt� can only be revitalized by intervening in the citizen�s and state�s mode of proceeding. To do so, the connections between virt�, mode of proceeding, and umori has to be taken into consideration.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The primary purpose of this paper is to creatively rethink Machiavelli’s virtú as the transformative means of extraordinary politics, a hinge that connects his concepts of “might” and “laws” to his understanding of politics as the activity of flexibly adjusting to ‘unexpected political changes.’ I will focus on two types of ‘virtú,’ personal and institutional. In the first case of ‘personal virtú ,’which Machiavelli presents in The Prince, I will explore the importance of the “new” prince and the abilities and characteristics he needs in order to be “new”. In the second case of ‘institutional virtú’, which he presents in The Discourse, I will attempt to shed light on the role of ‘class conflict’ as the source of a state’s political vitality. Finally, I will argue that virtú constitutes the core of Machiavelli’s transformative politics which enables the transition from a state of emergency to normal politics by way extraordinary politics, the realization of which requires a prince to merge with his people towards the founding, sustaining, and glorification of a republic. More concretely, I will argue that Machiavelli attempted to transform the principality governed by might into a republic governed by laws.