極端的例外狀況是否能由世界驅逐出去，這並非一法學問題；而一個人是否希鯠此例外狀況能被消除，則端視其哲學的，特別是哲學－歷史的，或形上學的信念而定。──卡爾．史密特《政治神學》，頁七。

　　　　　This article examines the fundamental presuppositions and systematic articulations of Machiavelli's political theory. I argue that Machiavelli's thought presupposed two interrelated sets of metaphysical categories: the bipolar opposition between of form and matter, and that of ordinary and extraordinary. The contrast between form and matter represents an orientation conceiving politics as an art, which can be traced to Aristotle's theory of the four causes. The emphasis on extraordinary, by contrast, points to the possibility of radical political change. Based on this political order. This article is concluded by a brief elaboration of the relevance of Machiavelli's thought for contemporary political theory, especially civic republicanism and political decisionism. I contend that Machiavelli's thought embraces both perspectives, consequently a theoretical synthesis is necessary.