Guicciardini and economic (in)equality

Abstract

The article examines several aspects of economic (in)equality in the writings of Francesco Guicciardini. In light of a recent erroneous portrayal of Guicciardini as an advocate of wealthy oligarchs, the article emphasises Guicciardini’s appreciation of the Spartan model of economic equality – even if it is unfeasible in the prevailing Florentine circumstances. Guicciardini, seeking to turn the polity towards the pursuit of virtue, argued for measures which would diminish the esteem for wealth in Florence. Nevertheless, Guicciardini was against heavy taxation of the richer citizens: the argument of the “equality of sacrifice” in taxation (which Guicciardini himself first formulated in writing), and the nuanced answer on this point, which he offers to the proponents of progressive taxation, are examined. The article seeks to explain the prima facie contradiction between Guicciardini’s reverence for the Spartan system and his ‘proto-libertarian’ defence of accumulated property, and the rights of the better-off citizens against expropriation. In both cases, it is argued, Guicciardini’s position is determined by his concern for virtue and the conditions favourable to its pursuit. The article stresses complexity of Guicciardini’s views.