Medieval and Renaissance Political Theory

 Political Science 302

 Spring 1995



Prospectus

This course is organized around three concepts: law, the body politic, and the self. We will survey reflections on these concepts from late antiquity to the catholic counter-reformation. We will traverse this period three times. First, we will examine how the concept of law developed from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century. Second, we will examine the conception of civic life in the fifth (Augustine), twelfth (John of Salisbury), and sixteenth century (Machiavelli). Finally, we will examine the efforts to shape and train the self, particularly that of the ruler, from the second century to the sixteenth century.

Students should be advised that the reading in the course will be extensive and difficult. The reading of medieval texts requires much greater preparation and historical understanding than the work of Plato or Hobbes. Some knowledge of political thought, especially Greek classical political theory, is important as well as knowledge of the Bible.

Requirements

I expect faithful class participation and discussion of the readings. I may very occasionally lecture on a topic not directly covered in the readings. Students have the option of writing two short papers (8-10 pages) or one research paper (20 pages). If you choose the latter option, I shall expect a draft by the seventh week of the semester, at the same time that I shall expect the first paper if you choose the former option. All work must be in by the final day of class.

I will make available to you a copy of the Medieval Dictionary of Political Concepts compiled by a previous class. This may be a source of reflection, inspiration, or comparison for you as you prepare for conferences or class. You may decide that you would prefer to compile your own dictionary in lieu of one paper or to focus your paper on the development of a particular set of concepts. Both of these are acceptable options.

Texts

The following texts are available in the bookstore right now:

Aquinas, Thomas Aquinas on Ethics and Politics
Christine de Pisan, The Treasure of the City of Ladies
Machiavelli, The Prince
Malherbe, Graeco-Moral Exhortation
Marsilio of Padua, Defensor Minor

It appears that the Ockham and the Vitoria texts are out of stock till february, so I am making arrangements to xerox portions for our readings. Medieval Political Theory: A Reader is not in yet. You will find many copies of Augustine and Machiavelli available in the multiple copies room.

Readings

LAW

A. Thomism

1. Aquinas, Questions I-III, in the Treatise on Happiness, pp. 3-40.

2. Aquinas, "Commentary on Aristotle's Politics," in MPT Reader, pp. 136-148 and Giles of Rome, "On Civil Government," in MPT Reader, pp. 149-152

3. Aquinas, "The Summa of Theology," in St. Thomas Aquinas on Politics and Ethics, pp. 30-84.

B. Neo-Thomism: Francisco de Vitoria, Political Writings

1. "On the American Indians," pp. 231-293

2. "On the Law of War," pp. 293-328.

3. "On Law: Lectures on ST I-II, 90-105" pp. 153-205.

4. "On Civil Power," pp. 1-45.

C. Empire and Papacy

1. Marsilius of Padua, Defensor Minor, pp. 1-64 and John of Paris, "On Royal and Papal Power," in MPT Reader, pp. 157-172.

2. William of Ockham, A Short Discourse on Tyrannical Government, pp. 1-16, 71-104.

3. William of Ockham, A Short Discourse on Tyrannical Government, pp.105-168.

THE CITY AND THE BODY POLITIC

A. Augustinianism: Augustine of Hippo's The City of God

1. Book I (all), Book II (1-3;18-21), Book IV (1-4, 15-21, 28-33), Book V (all)

2. Book VI (all), Book VII (1-3, 9, 26-33), Book VIII (1-15), Book IX (1-6, 14-17), Book X (1-6, 10, 14, 24, 27-32)

3. Book XIV (all), Book XI (1-6, 12, 16-22, 25-27), Book XII (2-3, 6-8, 10, 16, 22-25, 28), Book XIII (1-6, 12-16)

4. Book XIX (all), Book XXI (11-12, 20-21, 24-25, 27), Book XXII (12-15, 22-24)

B. The Medieval Body Politic (MPT Reader, pp. 24-60)

1. Marie de France, "The Fable of a Man, His Belly and His Limbs" and John of Salisbury, "Metalogicon and Policraticus"

C. Machiavelli, The Discourses

1. Book I, pp. 93-261

2. Book II, Book III (1-5, 7-9, 24-49)

THE MIRROR TO THE SELF

A. The Christian and Graeco-Roman Tradition

1. Malherbe, Moral Exhortation: A Greco-Roman Sourcebook, pp. 23-121.
2. Malherbe, pp. 122-161.

B. The Medieval Mirror of Kings

1. Bruno Latini, "The Book of Treasure" in MPT Reader, pp. 71-96 and
Thomas Aquinas, "On Kingship" in either MPT Reader, pp. 97-115 or in the Norton Aquinas Reader, pp. 14-30 and William of Pagula, , "The Mirror of King Edward IIII," in MPT Reader, pp. 200-207.

C. Mirrors for Men and Women

1. Christine de Pisan, The Treasure of the City of Ladies, pp. 31-108

2. Christine de Pisan, The Treasure of the City of Ladies, pp. 109-180 and
Christine de Pisan, The Book of the Body Politic, in MPT Reader, pp. 230-247.


D. Machiavelli, The Prince