1001Philosophers

Marsilius of Padua 1275 – 1342

Marsilius of Padua (1275 – 1342) was an Italian philosopher of the Medieval era, associated with Medieval Philosophy and Political Philosophy.

Marsilius of Padua was an Italian political philosopher and physician, one of the most original thinkers of the late Middle Ages. His Defensor Pacis, completed in 1324, constructed a sustained argument that the legislator is the people or the prevailing part thereof, and that the temporal authority of the priesthood is a usurpation that is the principal cause of civil discord. The work led to his condemnation by Pope John XXII and his flight to the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Louis IV. His thought anticipated themes of conciliarism, popular sovereignty, and the separation of church and state.

Key facts

Nationality
Italian
Era
Medieval
Movements
Medieval Philosophy, Political Philosophy

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Marsilius of Padua:

    “The legislator is the people, or the prevailing part thereof, by means of its election or will expressed in general convention by word.”

  • Attributed to Marsilius of Padua:

    “The cause of civil discord is the temporal power claimed by the priesthood.”

  • Attributed to Marsilius of Padua:

    “The end of the state is the good life of all the citizens.”

  • Attributed to Marsilius of Padua:

    “A law is a coercive command directed to outward acts.”

  • Attributed to Marsilius of Padua:

    “The whole body of citizens is the source of all legitimate authority.”

Marsilius of Padua by topic

Frequently asked about Marsilius of Padua

When did Marsilius of Padua live?
Marsilius of Padua was born in 1275 and died in 1342.
Where was Marsilius of Padua from?
Marsilius of Padua was an Italian philosopher of the Medieval era.
What philosophical movements is Marsilius of Padua associated with?
Marsilius of Padua was associated with Medieval Philosophy and Political Philosophy.
What was Marsilius of Padua known for?
Marsilius of Padua was an Italian political philosopher and physician, one of the most original thinkers of the late Middle Ages.
How many quotes are attributed to Marsilius of Padua?
There are 5 attributed quotations from Marsilius of Padua in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.