The Modes and Orders of Religion: An Exploration of the Political Use of Religion in Machiavelli’s Discourses on Livy Público

Bedi, Aman (Spring 2023)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/9z903146h?locale=pt-BR
Published

Abstract

In his Discourses on Livy, Machiavelli shows his dissatisfaction with Italy’s current situation and holds Roman Catholicism as at least partly responsible. This thesis attempts to distill how Machiavelli thinks religion could be used for political purposes by analyzing Machiavelli’s portrayal of Roman paganism, Roman Catholicism, and religion in general. Furthermore, the thesis concludes that for a religion to be used well, it must be good. This thesis contributes to the ongoing debate over Machiavelli’s ideal religion by suggesting that Machiavelli is proposing to imitate the model of German Christianity right before the Protestant Reformation. Structurally, the first three chapters describe how Machiavelli thinks religion can be used politically as a maintainer, reformer, and moral protector. The final chapter focuses on how German Christianity contains the best attributes of Roman Catholicism and Roman paganism and thus is an example of a good religion.

Table of Contents

Introduction: pg.1

Chapter Ⅰ: Religion the Maintainer: pg.6

Chapter Ⅱ: Religion the Reformer: pg.23

Chapter Ⅲ: Religion the Protector: pg.29

Chapter Ⅳ: What makes a religion Good: pg.33

Conclusion: pg.44

Bibliography: pg.46 

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement
  • Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.
School
Department
Degree
Submission
Language
  • English
Research Field
Palavra-chave
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor
Committee Members
Última modificação

Primary PDF

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Actions
The Modes and Orders of Religion: An Exploration of the Political Use of Religion in Machiavelli’s Discourses on Livy () 2023-04-10 10:31:16 -0400

Supplemental Files

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Actions