Discourses on Livy · Question
How does Discourses on Livy develop the theme of Class Conflict and Political Order?
Answer
Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli develops Class Conflict and Political Order across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The book examines the inherent tension between the nobles' desire to dominate and the commons' desire not to be dominated, showing how these tumults in Rome led to beneficial laws and institutions rather than chaos.
The Discourses highlight the productive role of conflict between the patricians and plebeians in securing Roman freedom and stability.
The chapter argues that Rome's perfect constitution resulted from the 'contests between the commons and the senate,' turning discord into stability.
The conflict between the nobles and the commons after the Tarquins' expulsion, leading to the creation of tribunes.
Evidence in the book
- Discourses on Livy
The Discourses highlight the productive role of conflict between the patricians and plebeians in securing Roman freedom and stability.
- Chapter II: That on occasion it is wise to feign folly
The chapter argues that Rome's perfect constitution resulted from the 'contests between the commons and the senate,' turning discord into stability.
- III
The conflict between the nobles and the commons after the Tarquins' expulsion, leading to the creation of tribunes.
- IV
Machiavelli defends the dissensions between the nobles and the commons as the prime cause of Roman freedom, arguing that conflict between these factions produced laws favorable to liberty.
- How an hereditary king may come to lose his kingdom
The chapter centers on the struggle between the nobles and the commons over who should guard public freedom, highlighting the inherent tensions and ambitions of each class.
- VI
The chapter centers on the necessity of class conflict between the commons and senate for Rome's expansion, arguing that such tumults, while inconvenient, were unavoidable for achieving greatness.
- VIII
Manlius appeals to the commons against the nobles, highlighting the class tensions that calumny can inflame.
- XIII
The struggle between nobles and plebeians over the tribuneship and the Terentillian law is central, with religion used by the nobles to maintain control.
