Machiavellian Ontology - (Incitements) by Francesco Marchesi (Hardcover)

About the Book

Studies the philosophical implications of contemporary theories of conflict and proposes a new political ontology

Book Synopsis

The twentieth century was the century of the deconstruction of all absolutes: of liberation understood as a critique of every meaningful structure. In this sense, conflict was understood as an instrument of the rupture of every form, institution and community. Niccolò Machiavelli is the first in our tradition to think about the productivity of political conflict - its capacity, on the model of ancient Rome, to construct new orders, institutions and forms of life. Francesco Marchesi offers an original reading of Machiavellian thought as well as a critique of some of the most influential contemporary theories of conflict including Foucault, Schmitt, Arendt, Lacan and Althusser. In doing so, he proposes an innovative, conflictual political ontology that, with Machiavelli, is capable of conceiving the affirmative, and not only deconstructive, power of conflict.

From the Back Cover

Studies the philosophical implications of contemporary theories of conflict and proposes a new political ontology The twentieth century was the century of the deconstruction of all absolutes: of liberation understood as a critique of every meaningful structure. In this sense, conflict was understood as an instrument of the rupture of every form, institution and community. Niccolò Machiavelli is the first in our tradition to think about the productivity of political conflict - its capacity, on the model of ancient Rome, to construct new orders, institutions and forms of life. Francesco Marchesi offers an original reading of Machiavellian thought as well as a critique of some of the most influential contemporary theories of conflict including Foucault, Schmitt, Arendt, Lacan and Althusser. In doing so, he proposes an innovative, conflictual political ontology that, with Machiavelli, is capable of conceiving the affirmative, and not only deconstructive, power of conflict. Francesco Marchesi is Professor of History of Political Philosophy in the Department of Civilization and Forms of Knowledge at the University of Pisa. Dave Mesing is Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Villanova University.

Review Quotes

At the crossroads between classical philosophy and the contemporary condition, Francesco Marchesi designs a new ontology in the name of Machiavelli. Critically covering the most recent philosophical-political debate, it proposes a highly innovative theoretical turn, capable of articulating order and conflict, institution and movement, power and life. His book constitutes an important philosophical and political contribution.--Roberto Esposito, Scuola Normale Superiore

About the Author

Dave Mesing is Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Villanova University