Classicismo e tirannide nell'Italia umanistica

The chapter aims to define the function of the concept of tyranny in the political thought of Humanism. Starting from the well-known distinction made by Bartolo da Sassoferrato between tyranny ex defectu tituli and ex parte exercitii, it is noted that this is applicable in various ways to the Italian lordships of the time, but this does not prevent – but rather favours – political experimentation and the proposal of new institutional structures in a state-building perspective, in which the prince’s virtus is central. In this context, the concept of tyranny functions as the antithesis of good government and as a warning to the ruler. To demonstrate this assumption, this contribution examines the constituent elements of the concept, mainly violence and private interest, which lead to the abuse of power, described in treatises as authentic madness. The conclusion is that the de tyranno theory plays a highly productive role in the political doctrine of Humanism.