A prudência em Maquiavel. O problema da métis.

Abstract

Most studies about prudence in Machiavelli approach the subject from the angle defined by the tradition of political philosophy, in particular Aristotelian thought. Our goal is to address the subject in Machiavelli by reactivating the notion of métis, which we believe to be more fruitful in revealing essential aspects of Machiavellian theory. To achieve this goal, we turn to the classic book by Marcel Detienne and Jean-Pierre Vernant, aiming at its conceptual delimitation. Next, we attempt to demonstrate its relevance to the interpretation of two chapters of The Prince. Finally, we return to the proem of the first book of Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius to strengthen the links between métis, contingency, and political knowledge in Machiavelli.