Acta Scientiarum. Education
On-line version ISSN 2178-5201
Abstract
STREFLING, Sérgio Ricardo. A concepção de paz na civitas de Marsilio de Pádua. Acta Scientiarum. Education [online]. 2010, vol.32, n.02, pp.153-161. ISSN 2178-5201.
Peace is an ancient but ever recurring issue since its lack is harmful to human beings. Marsilius of Padua (1280-1342), physician and philosopher, published his Defensor Pacis in 1324. Defender of Peace is one of the most important and controversial writings on medieval political thought. The philosopher’s political theory aims at fomenting peace, synonymous to civil tranquility, which exists only in a rationally organized city. Reworking Aristotle’s reflections, Marsilius describes the city as a living being or organism. Since all integrating members of a living organism work towards the body’s health, the city’s integrating segments should be organized to produce tranquility to its inhabitants. Peace in a rationally conceived and organized city is its most important asset. Peace is the complete cause of beauty, arts and science, and people should be educated towards its achievement.
Keywords : Marsilius of Pádua; Peace; City; Law; Power.