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Marsilius of Padua

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Philosopher

The Resume

    (circa 1275-1342)
    Born in Padua, Italy
    Physician and political theorist
    Rector of the University of Paris (1312-14)
    Wrote 'Defender Pacis' ('Defender of the Peace,' 1324) as a refutation of the Papacy's claims to political power

Why he might be annoying:

    His ideas were declared heretical by Pope John XXII (1327).
    After Holy Roman Emperor Louis of Bavaria conquered Rome, overthrew Pope John XXII, and installed his own choice for Pope, Nicholas V, he appointed Marsilius as Imperial vicar (1328).
    As vicar, he persecuted those clergy who remained loyal to John XXII.
    Despite his view that power came from the people, 'Defender Pacis' was widely embraced by absolutist monarchs as an intellectual weapon in their political battles with various Popes.
    For example, Thomas Cranmer had it translated into English to support making King Henry VIII head of the Church of England.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He attacked materialism and corruption among church officials: 'By their striving for worldly things, the recent Roman popes do not defend the bride of Christ -- that is, the Catholic faith and the multitude of believers -- but offend her.'
    He argued that the people were the only legitimate source of political power, and the people had the right to select and, when necessary, depose their leaders.
    His ideas were embraced by later church reformers like Jan Hus and Martin Luther.
    He laid the foundations for separation of church and state.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 10 Votes: 50.0% Annoying