Machiavelli’s virtú : Is virtú only for show?

Abstract: Virtú has long been associated with manly traits like strength, cunning, valor, and ruthlessness. Much has been debated among these lines, whereas others have taken the approach of letting virtú and its meaning be undetermined. In this thesis a comparison between the different theoretical and practical meanings of Machiavelli’s teachings are discussed, with the conclusion being that there might be a case for virtú as being similar to showmanship, alternatively, an ingrained part of human nature. This conclusion is derived from comparison of different sources regarding Machiavelli’s works, with the Prince and the Discourses as the core of the interpretation. The flexibility of virtú and its circumstantial nature creates, through the arguments in this thesis, a basis for virtú as something other than a trait to have or to be developed. That being said, I am cautious to finalize a meaning to virtú, because of the nature of the word and its meaning. It has been interpreted to fit different subjective realities ever since its release, whereas this thesis might be found to do the same. Virtú and Machiavelli is hard to fully grasp, which makes it all the more interesting to try to derive meaning where none might be found.