Virtu and Fortuna: On Sustenance of Political Power

Niccolò Machiavelli, who is considered as the father of political science, has made controversial methods in acquiring and maintaining political power. His philosophy continues to influence the ideas of today’s political leaders. Niccolò Machiavelli is famous for his work, The Prince, which is a political handbook for achieving goals by any means necessary. His work consists of ways in acquiring power, maintaining power, and using political power.

Machiavelli’s political ideas can be deduced into a positivistic approach. He posits the idea on virtù (virtue) and fortuna (good fortune) as means in attaining political power. Also, fortuna (fortune) can also be destructive as it is an arbitrary force that restricts half of man’s will. It is only through virtù can fortuna be prevented. This way, any means that will be beneficial for the ruler and for the state’s glory are necessary to be acted upon through virtù. With the use of virtù, the Prince will be able to sustain his political power. The sustenance of political power is essential to further his interests. Machiavelli may have offered a pragmatic and amoral approach to sustaining the prince’s political power, but his political theory is deemed necessary because of its effectiveness in ensuring the sustainability and development of his interests.