Marsiglio de Padua

Who Marsiglio is

• His Authority is the Politics of Aristole
• known as a canon of the church of Padua
• His views in the origin and nature of the state are Aristotelian
• The prince who rules by the authority of the whole body of citizens

Why is he famous?

• The elective monarchy is the form of government preferred by Marsilius
• the ideal state thus corresponds in theory with the holy Roman Empire
• Marsilius attacks the Petrine theory and the whole papal structure

Why is this a historical reference?

• All bishops are equal in religious authority
• Deriving their power immediately from Christ.
• If one priest or bishop is placed over another for organization purposes,
• and authority of superior is derived from state

Why is this a historical reference?

• Within the church the supreme authority is not the pope
• but the general council of Christians

Who Marsiglio is

• an Italian medieval scholar, physician, philosopher, and political thinker
• Born in Padua, Italy in 1270
• Served for the army of the emperor, then switched to studying medicine

Why is he famous?

• Didn't believe the Roman Catholic Church should be involve in politics