The Lisbon-Prague Machiavelli Seminar was established through a collaboration between a group of researchers from EPLab and a group of researchers from the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences, who share research interests centred on the thought of Machiavelli. The dialogue between the two groups took centre stage for the first time at the workshop “(Political) Philosophers and their Translators” held on 8 October 2025 at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences, in Prague.

With the exploration of Machiavellian thought as its guiding principle — drawing both on a direct analysis of the Florentine secretary’s work and on that of his interlocutors and its subsequent repercussions — the Lisbon-Prague Machiavelli Seminar aims to continue the discussion surrounding this author, his influence on the history of philosophy and his contemporary interpretations.

The Seminar is structured around regular debate sessions, in an online format, focused on the discussion of published texts and works in progress. In addition, there are plans to organise larger-scale events on a regular basis, sometimes in Lisbon and sometimes in Prague. Given its international scope, the working language of the sessions is English.

Although based at EPLab and the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Lisbon-Prague Machiavelli Seminar is a cross-disciplinary group whose activities are open not only to members of these two institutes, but also to other lecturers, researchers and students who demonstrate an interest in Machiavelli’s ideas.

The Seminar is organised by Giovanni Damele (NOVA FCSH/IFILNOVA), Inês Pinheiro (NOVA FCSH/IFILNOVA), and Jan Bíba (Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague).

Anyone interested in taking part or seeking further information should contact Inês Pinheiro (ines.pinheiro@campus.fcsh.unl.pt).

FUTURE EVENTS

• Regular seminar – academic year 2026/2027 [programme to be announced]
• Workshop about the Minor Political Writings (8 January 2027 – Lisbon)
• Conference on the 500th anniversary of Machiavelli’s death – Lisbon (2027)
• Conference on the 500th anniversary of Machiavelli’s death – Prague (2027)