Paul SIGNED OFF.pdf (371.49 kB)
The use of kairos in Renaissance political philosophy
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 02:59 authored by Joanne PaulAlthough the Greek concept of kairos (?a????) has undergone a recent renewal of interest among scholars of Renaissance rhetoric, this revival has not yet been paralleled by its reception into the history of political thought. This article examines the meanings and uses of this important concept within the ancient Greek tradition, particularly in the works of Isocrates and Plutarch, in order to understand how it is employed by two of the most important political thinkers of the sixteenth century: Thomas Elyot and Niccolò Machiavelli. Through such an investigation this paper argues that an appreciation of the concept of kairos and its use by Renaissance political writers provides a fuller understanding of the political philosophy of the period.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Renaissance QuarterlyISSN
0034-4338Publisher
University of Chicago PressExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
67Page range
43-78Department affiliated with
- History Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes