Historiografias e Histórias em Maquiavel: diversas Formas de Reinscrever a Virtù para a Defesa do Vivere Libero

Abstract

Renaissance´s conceptions of History express considerable value for ancient exampla, as well as unveil their own social needs at different levels of discourse. Thus, the interrelationships between justice, freedom and human will, together with the new historiographical tendencies that reinvigorate ancient traditions, demand personal and public commitment in the exaltation of human potentialities and limits. The different ways of understanding History in Maquiavel disclose the constant rise and fall of civil orders, while indicating the longevity of human types and exampla – helpful in order to cultivate Virtù in face of Fortuna´s actions. By dialoguing with a cyclical conception of history, Maquiavel asserts a disparity between the dignified ancient Virtù and the decay habits of his contemporaries. Therefore, conceptions and actions from the ancient Romans must be understood and imitated.