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The question of esoteric writing in Machiavelli’s works

Publication ,  Journal Article
Namazi, R
Published in: Renaissance and Reformation
March 1, 2017

The question addressed by this article is whether esotericism or secret teachings exist in Machiavelli’s writings. This question has been a major point of contention between the commentators of Machiavelli, with many denying the existence of esoteric teaching in the Machiavellian corpus. This article will explore the controversy by studying Machiavelli’s own works, and on this basis it will be contended that there are many references and elements present in Machiavelli’s works that justify an esoteric interpretation. Consequently, it is reasonable to assume that Machiavelli has esoteric intentions that are different from the surface meaning of his texts. It is therefore necessary for commentators to go beyond the surface of his writings to uncover his deeper teachings.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Renaissance and Reformation

ISSN

0034-429X

Publication Date

March 1, 2017

Volume

40

Issue

2

Start / End Page

7 / 33

Related Subject Headings

  • 5005 Theology
  • 5004 Religious studies
  • 4303 Historical studies
  • 2204 Religion and Religious Studies
  • 2103 Historical Studies
  • 2005 Literary Studies
 

Citation

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Namazi, R. (2017). The question of esoteric writing in Machiavelli’s works. Renaissance and Reformation, 40(2), 7–33.
Namazi, R. “The question of esoteric writing in Machiavelli’s works.” Renaissance and Reformation 40, no. 2 (March 1, 2017): 7–33.
Namazi R. The question of esoteric writing in Machiavelli’s works. Renaissance and Reformation. 2017 Mar 1;40(2):7–33.
Namazi, R. “The question of esoteric writing in Machiavelli’s works.” Renaissance and Reformation, vol. 40, no. 2, Mar. 2017, pp. 7–33.
Namazi R. The question of esoteric writing in Machiavelli’s works. Renaissance and Reformation. 2017 Mar 1;40(2):7–33.

Published In

Renaissance and Reformation

ISSN

0034-429X

Publication Date

March 1, 2017

Volume

40

Issue

2

Start / End Page

7 / 33

Related Subject Headings

  • 5005 Theology
  • 5004 Religious studies
  • 4303 Historical studies
  • 2204 Religion and Religious Studies
  • 2103 Historical Studies
  • 2005 Literary Studies