A1 Journal article (refereed)
Optimus vir, optima lex : A Medieval Debate on the Soul of a City (2023)

Chen, Z. (2023). Optimus vir, optima lex : A Medieval Debate on the Soul of a City. Studi sull’Aristotelismo medievale (secoli VI-XVI), 3, 31-85.

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Chen, Zi'ang

Journal or series: Studi sull’Aristotelismo medievale (secoli VI-XVI)

ISSN: 2785-5066

eISSN: 2974-7198

Publication year: 2023

Volume: 3

Pages range: 31-85

Publisher: Gruppo editoriale Tab

Publication country: Italy

Publication language: English

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93088

Abstract

This paper studies a series of thirteenth- and fourteenth-century scholastic discussions on Aristotle’s “vexed question” of whether the best law or the best man should govern. The paper examines arguments in favour of law by Tomas Aquinas and Godfrey of Fontaines, and the more absolutist arguments from Peter of Auvergne and Giles of Rome, before turning to the theological solutions from the Franciscans Gerald Odonis and Francis of Meyronnes. The paper offers fresh insight into the scholarly debate through a prism of medieval moral psychology and situates the political question within a broader theological framework. A critical edition of Odonis’s Ethics commentary question is presented in the appendix.

Keywords: Middle Ages; politics; political theology; ethics; virtues; Franciscans

Free keywords: politics; ethics; law; common good; virtue; political theology; Franciscan

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2023

JUFO rating: 1