A natureza e o princípio dos regimes na filosofia de Montesquieu

Abstract

The present article makes considerations on two essential concepts in the philosophy of Montesquieu: the nature and the principle of the regimes. At first, we demonstrate the types of regimes that exist in Montesquieu's thought. As we have pointed out, Montesquieu presents a typology of regimes different from that presented by Aristotle. One question we approach is that, for Montesquieu, despotism is considered to be a regime in its own and not a deviation. After dealing with this question, we analyze the concept of nature and principle of regimes. The first term refers to subjects who exercise power as well as the way in which power is exercised. The second term, however, is related to the predominant sentiments of the governed over the regime. Finally, we analyze the nature and principle of each regime.