The unity of power according to Marsilius of Padua

Abstract

Marsilius of Padua was a philosopher of the Middle Ages who wrote two books of political philosophy that have had influence on modernity. This study makes an analysis of chapter 17 of Defensor Pacis, where the subject is the unity of government. If there are several beings, in number or in species, as it seems to be the case in great towns, and in particular in a kingdom, then there should be among them one in number that stays aboven them all, to whom all others are subordinated and by whom all are directed. This a unity of order, not a unity simply speaking but rather a plurality of human beings that is affirmed to constitute one thing in number.