The Moral Aspect of Political Decision Making in N. Machiavelli’s Doctrine

Abstract

The article analyzes Niccolò Machiavelli’s political works to determine the thinker’s goals in writing them and to consider «Machiavellian ethics». The author’s thesis is that ethical assessment of Machiavelli’s political recommendations cannot be competent without taking into account of political situation in Italy of the 16^th century. The thesis is supported by reference to Machiavelli’s works and a brief excursus in Renaissance’s Italy history.