HANNAH LOURDES RAMOS

This project aims to investigate specific conceptual questions about Niccolò Machiavelli, knowingly, the mixed constitution problematic and its relation with the author's ideal of republic. Based on a conceptual analysis of the mixed constitution on classic greek thought, we aim to investigate the relation between this kind of government with what Machiavelli calls republic and examine how his theory develops this relationship. Using the Discorsi as a foundation, it is possible to say that, for the author, the mixed constitution is not only a type of republic, but the kind that leads to perfection and success. This is shown by the rescue of the humanist tradition of his time, which was marked by classical history analysis, influence of classical authors like Aristotle and Plato and focus on Rome's political experience. Therefore, it is safe to say that a profound understanding about what Machiavelli calls "mixed constitution" require, at the same time, a study on the concept of republic in his theory, and an analysis of the classics that he uses as conceptual foundation for his arguments.