Virtue Politics

In Virtue Politics, renowned scholar James Hankins, the General Editor of the I Tatti Renaissance Library, presents a thought-provoking analysis that redefines our understanding of the Renaissance's impact on modern republicanism. Published by Harvard University Press in 2023, this comprehensive work spans 768 pages and challenges the traditional view that places Machiavelli at the forefront of political thought. Hankins argues that Renaissance political theorists were primarily focused on cultivating virtuous citizens rather than merely reforming laws. By emphasizing a new educational program centered on the humanities, they aimed to promote the social good and foster civic responsibility. This engaging exploration of historical political theory is essential for anyone interested in the foundations of modern governance and the role of virtue in society.