Defining Virtue Machiavelli s New Representation Of...

Defining Virtue: Machiavelli’s New Representation Of Lucrezia Vs. Lucretia Defining the true definition of virtue can be a debated subject. There are many different definitions that can be used to define virtue and many people can have their own opinions on the matter. We only have to consider definitions provided by academic scholars and those we believe possess virtue. Using St. Thomas Aquinas’ definition of virtue as Machiavelli’s intended definition of virtue in Mandragola will be used as the standard definition of virtue. In this essay, I will prove that Machiavelli’s representation of Lucrezia displays a better example of a virtuous woman than the original Lucretia. What is virtue? What does it mean to be virtuous? Virtue has many different meanings. According to Msgr. William King, in his research What Is Virtue, he uses the definition taught by St. Thomas Aquinas to define virtue. According to Aquinas: â€Å"Virtue is the perfection of human activity — that is to say, virtue is human activity at its best. Virtue describes the best traits of human action. The word itself comes from the Latin word for strength or power, vis. As with any human strength, it is built up through repetition. Do something good repeatedly and it becomes a good habit; do it long enough and it becomes a virtue. Virtue is developed by positive action, so merely avoiding evil or sin is not virtuous. Virtue consists in acting in a positive way to bring about good things such as justice, mercy or