The effect of Machiavelli's view of human nature on his political theory

This study examines the effects of Machiavelli's view of human nature on his political philosophy. In the first part of the study, Machiavelli's ideas and assumptions on human nature and his novel concepts of virtu and fortuna are examined by taking into consideration the philosophical essentials of Renaissance and the Italian political structure in that era of time. In the second part of the study, firstly, the effects of the idea of human nature on political philosophy are analyzed in three periods (Antiquity, Middle Ages and Renaissance Period) by making a historical classification of ideas developed particularly by Western political thinkers. Secondly, considering the scope of the study, "republic versus monarchy debate" in Machiavelli's political theory is discussed within the framework of Machiavelli's general political theory. The effects of Machiavelli's views on human nature on his political theory, or more comprehensively, on the whole state system that is envisioned by him since the formation of social order are also examined in that part of the study. In this thesis, Machiavelli's renowned works of Prince and Discourses are selected as the main sources to examine by embracing a conceptual comparison method in accordance with the qualitative research method. A comprehensive literature review is also done by focusing on relevant books, journal articles, theses and documents. In this sense, the main argument raised in this study is that Machiavelli has developed his own political theory based on absolute power, law, army and religion with reference to his view of human nature depicted by him as rational, evil, selfish and cunning.