The Justification of Violence in Machiavelli's The Prince

Abstract

This article examines the way in which Machiavelli deals with violence in The prince. First, a perspective of violence is proposed in the light of Machiavelli’s political anthropology. Secondly, it is explained how the author modifies the nature and meaning of virtue to justify violence. It is also explained how Machiavelli uses prominent characters of Christianity to stress a tension between political action and morals. Finally, it is argued that Machiavelli’s literary exercise in The Prince is not limited to show violence as a necessity or even an unavoidable evil, but in fact poses a complex justification that diminishes its brutality and transforms it into a desirable and admirable feature of the ruler if it is displayed under certain conditions.