Marsilius of Padua

Marsilius, Defensor pacis, Paris, Lat. 14620

Marsilius of Padua (Italian: Marsilio da Padova; c. 1275 – c. 1342) was an Italian scholar, physician, and political philosopher. He is best known for his work Defensor pacis (The Defender of Peace), which laid the foundations for modern concepts of sovereignty and the separation of church and state.

Early Life and Education

Marsilius was born in Padua, a city in the Republic of Venice. He studied medicine at the University of Padua, where he was influenced by the works of Aristotle and the Averroist interpretations of Aristotle's philosophy. He later moved to Paris, where he became associated with the University of Paris and its intellectual circles.

Defensor Pacis

Marsilius's most significant contribution to political thought is his treatise Defensor pacis, written in 1324. The work is divided into three parts:

• The first part discusses the nature of human communities and the role of the state.
• The second part critiques the contemporary Church and its interference in secular matters.
• The third part offers solutions for achieving peace and stability in society.

In Defensor pacis, Marsilius argues that the ultimate authority in a state should lie with the people, who delegate power to their rulers. He contends that the Church should be subordinate to the state and that religious leaders should not wield temporal power.

Political and Religious Views

Marsilius was a proponent of conciliarism, the belief that ecumenical councils have greater authority than the Pope. His ideas were controversial and led to his condemnation by the Papacy. Despite this, his work influenced later thinkers such as Niccolò Machiavelli and the development of modern political theory.

Later Life and Legacy

After the publication of Defensor pacis, Marsilius faced significant opposition from the Church. He sought refuge in the court of Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor, who was also in conflict with the Papacy. Marsilius continued to write and advocate for his ideas until his death around 1342.

Marsilius of Padua's work remains a cornerstone in the history of political thought, particularly in discussions about the relationship between religion and politics, and the nature of legitimate authority.

Related Pages

• Defensor pacis
• Sovereignty
• Church and state
• Conciliarism
• University of Padua
• University of Paris
• Aristotle
• Averroism
• Niccolò Machiavelli
• Louis IV, Holy Roman Emperor