The Sovereign and the anthropology of institutions in Photius the Great and Machiavelli

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Published: Jul 6, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.30739
Keywords:
Photius the Great; Machiavelli; Sovereign; Anthropology of institutions; Ethics and Politics; Mirror for Princes; Virtue; Power
Konstantinos Karousakis
Abstract

This article provides a comparative analysis of the political thought of Photius the Great (810-891) and Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), situating both within the tradition of the "Mirrors for Princes". The author explores how these two thinkers, despite their different historical contexts, address the relationship between ethics and politics through their advice to the sovereign. The study highlights their respective philosophical anthropologies, examining how they define human nature and the role of institutions in shaping the person of the leader. While Photius emphasizes the cultivation of Christian virtues and the leader as a moral exemplar for the community, Machiavelli presents a more pragmatic and realistic view of the political struggle and the necessity of maintaining power. Ultimately, the paper analyzes how these distinct approaches reflect broader shifts in the perception of institutional power and human agency.

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