Step 1: Defining Machiavelli's Virtù.
Niccolò Machiavelli's *The Prince* introduces virtù as a ruler's capacity for adaptability, decisive action, and control over their fate. It encompasses strength, intelligence, and pragmatism, enabling effective navigation of politics and governance.
Step 2: Evaluating the Options.
- (1) Machiavelli: Correct. Virtù is a core concept in Machiavelli's political philosophy.
- (2) Thomas Hobbes: Incorrect. Hobbes explored human nature but not virtù.
- (3) John Locke: Incorrect. Locke emphasized natural rights and the social contract, not virtù.
- (4) John Rawls: Incorrect. Rawls is known for his theory of justice, not virtù.
Step 3: Summary.
Therefore, the answer is (1) Machiavelli.