Abstract

GONCALVES, Rafael Bruno. The influence of religion on the legitimization of the State through the work of Machiavelli. Conjectura: filos. e Educ. [online]. 2019, vol.24, e019002.  Epub July 31, 2020. ISSN 2178-4612.  https://doi.org/10.18226/21784612.v24.e019002.

The present article intends to demonstrate how Machiavelli ‘s work brings pertinent aspects about the relation between religion and State, and how these can be analyzed from the point of view of modern political theory. His contributions related to the study of the political function of religion, understood as an essential item in the maintenance, recognition and solidity of the State, raise questions indispensable to think the influence of certain confessional precepts, related to the ecclesiastical power, in the formulation of a political morality directed to the Obedience of the dictates of a religious nature, and which help in the development of a collective vírtu, an element, according to the author, indispensable for the State. The article also seeks to explore questions related to the method employed by Machiavelli, and his quest for the “effective truth of things”. Through this concern, the author elucidates religious issues because of their ability to influence collective life, an influence that encompasses citizens’ decisions regarding political issues, ensuring discipline and, consequently, strengthening the State. Thus the author of Florence recognizes the charge of religious doctrine and its efficiency in motivating the vivere civile.

Keywords : State; Religion; Machiavelli; Politics.

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