Unlike views prevailing in both the history of political thought and contemporary political science, Machiavelli’s conception of leadership is not fundamentally incompatible with democracy. Through the example of Furius Camillus, Professor John P. McCormick will demonstrate how the influence exerted and the prerogative enjoyed at key junctures by political leaders do not constitute, for Machiavelli, usurpations of popular deliberation, but rather serve, in conjunction with popularly empowering institutions, as necessary complements to democratic politics.
The Comparing Practices of Knowledge Workshop launched in the 2016-17 academic year. Presentations range across historical and disciplinary boundaries and provide a major component of SIFK's inquiry into the process of knowledge formation and transmittal from antiquity to present day. Research-in-progress is welcomed and will receive constructive feedback. Lunch will be provided to those who RSVP.