Some reflections on Descartes and Machiavelli

Abstract

In this paper two Descartes' letters on Machiavelli are examined Firstly, following the philosopher's own suggestions in the letters, Descartes' and Machiavelli's thoughts are contrasted, from which a distinction between Morals and Politics (in Descartes) arises. Next, the Cartesian Morals is explained in order to point out the roots of this distinction.