• By convention or by nature – Melanchthon's criticism of late medieval Ockhamist political thought in the Commentarii in aliquot politicos libros Aristotelis

    Author(s):
    Mads Langballe Jensen (see profile)
    Date:
    2014
    Subject(s):
    Aristotle, Reformation, Renaissance, Europe, Sixteenth century, Seventeenth century
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    Renaissance and reformation / early modern Europe
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/7pp7-6192
    Abstract:
    The article argues that existing scholarship has missed Melanchthon's central objective in writing the Commentarii in aliquot politicos libros Aristotelis. Rather than merely criticising peasants and radical preachers, Melanchthon sought to refute the Ockhamist political thought of Gabriel Biel and John Mair. Using Aristotle's naturalism within the theological framework of the political order as ordained by God Melanchthon criticised the conventionalist account of the Ockhamists, specifically the principles underlying the case for popular sovereignty or the power of the community over the ruler. Instead he forwarded a theory of politics and constitutional monarchy grounded in natural and positive law.
    Metadata:
    Published as:
    Journal article    
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    5 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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