Intricate Readings: Machiavelli, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas

Abstract

Machiavelli (as most scholars agree) read Aristotle's Politics. But in which edition? The article argues that Machiavelli used the edition published in Rome in 1492, in which the Latin translation of Aristotle by Leonardo Bruni was accompanied by a commentary traditionally ascibed to Thomas Aquinas (in fact, written by Peter of Auvergne). The article explores the impact of this triple filter (Aristotele, 'Aquinas', Bruni) on Machiavelli's approach to politics.