Abstract

The essay reconstructs Claude Lefort's interpretation of Machiavelli's work. The French philosopher focuses on Machiavelli's reading of Roman history, a strong critique of classical and Christian traditions, and identifies conflict as the defining feature of the social. Following the blueprint of Maurice Merleau-Ponty's seminal theses, Lefort considers the Machiavellian «theory of humors» as a description of the fundamental division that organizes society. In the context of this interpretation, he builds his theory of the symbolic role played by power.