Comparing Machiavelli's The Prince And The Discourses

This project entails an argument that Machiavelli’s writings did not convey irony in his discussions concerning God. He might have hated the Church, but that should not detract from his Christian faith. Machiavelli’s combination of ancient religion and Christianity fit somewhat into what ancient theologians such as Justin Martyr, Origen and many others did. These men mostly focused on bringing Platonism into Christianity, but Machiavelli considered Aristotle more important. Black argued that Machiavelli was not the next Aristotle, however, this paper would not argue that either. Rather, it would juxtapose Machiavelli and ancient writings into Machiavelli’s world-view. Machiavelli did not fit the mold of Roman Catholicism, however, he still retained the mantle of Christian, albeit a strange one. Libertas et virtu played the defining role in his religion. As Viroli …show more content…
The paper would give a small biographical section on Machiavelli describing his life, but more importantly how he arrived at his state of mind concerning religion. He needs placement within the context of his society and peers as well. His internal fight with humanism largely played a role in shaping his worldview. However, the paper focus’s mainly on The Prince and the Discourses of Livy in an effort to note the way in which Machiavelli portrays religion. From there the project would look at the influence of the ancient writings and religion on Machiavelli. It’s probable that the paper, depending on the length, might, at least attempt, to understand Machiavelli’s fascination with the cosmos. His last dream proves difficult to argue against if true, but many some historians think this is propaganda of anti-Machiavellians. Of great importance would be a counter-argument against Christianity, depicting Machiavelli as an atheist, but then disproving it in the next