Abstract

This paper sets forth the fundamental aspects of the conception of history supported by Machiavelli in the context of his political thought. It attempts to identify the assumptions in which it is grounded, and, at the same time, to extract its consequences. At this point, it becomes manifest a contradiction in the theoretical postulates adopted by Machiavelli, that makes possible two opposing interpretations about history. In the light of this antinomy, the article provides sufficient but not conclusive reasons for take side for one of the alternatives.