Reformation, Resistance, and Reason of State (1517-1625)

The period 1517-1625 was crucial for the development of political thought, with new ideas about the organisation and purpose of human communities being debated. Sarah Mortimer's book highlights how the language of natural law became increasingly important as a means of legitimising political power, opening up scope for religious toleration. The Oxford History of Political Thought series provides an authoritative overview of the political thought of a particular era, synthesizing and expanding major developments in scholarship and making its insights available to a wider audience.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 16 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
\n

The period spanning 1517 to 1625 was a pivotal era in the development of political thought, marked by significant events such as the expansion of empires, religious upheavals, and social transformations. During this time, new ideas about the organization and purpose of human communities emerged, leading to a profound reevaluation of political structures and authority. One of the central concerns during this period was the understanding of the political or civil community as a bounded entity with its own distinct characteristics, structures, and history. Scholars sought to define the boundaries of these communities and explore their unique traits, such as their geographical limitations and the development of their own institutions and customs.

Furthermore, there was a growing emphasis on civil or political authority as separate from religious or ecclesiastical authority. This shift was particularly evident in the aftermath of the Reformation, as individuals and societies sought to establish new forms of governance that were based on rational principles rather than religious dogma. As a result, the concept of sovereignty began to gain traction, with political theories emphasizing the divine right of kings and the authority of the state.

In response to these developments, the language of natural law became increasingly important as a means of legitimizing political power. Natural law, which was derived from classical Greek and Roman philosophy, emphasized the inherent rights and freedoms of individuals and the importance of following a moral code that was universal and applicable to all human beings. This language of natural law provided a framework for justifying political authority and promoting religious toleration, as it recognized the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals.

Sarah Mortimer, in her book "Early Modern Political Thought," explores the significance of the language of natural law in the development of early modern political thought. Drawing on a wide range of sources from Europe and beyond, Mortimer offers a fresh and insightful interpretation of this period. She demonstrates how the language of natural law became a tool for legitimizing political power and promoting religious toleration, while also highlighting the connections between Christian Europe and the Muslim societies that lay to its south and east. Mortimer's work demonstrates the richness and diversity of early modern political thought and its relevance to contemporary debates about political authority and governance.

The Oxford History of Political Thought series, which includes Mortimer's book, provides an authoritative and comprehensive overview of the political thought of a particular era. These books synthesize and expand major developments in scholarship, covering canonical thinkers. Thinkers while placing them in a context of broader traditions, movements, and debates. By providing a comprehensive and authoritative account of political thought, the series aims to deepen our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of political ideas and their impact on society.

In conclusion, the period 1517-1625 was a crucial era in the development of political thought, marked by significant events such as the expansion of empires, religious upheavals, and social transformations. During this time, new ideas about the organization and purpose of human communities emerged, leading to a profound reevaluation of political structures and authority. The concept of sovereignty, the language of natural law, and the connections between Christian Europe and the Muslim societies of the world all played pivotal roles in shaping the development of early modern political thought. Sarah Mortimer's book "Early Modern Political Thought" offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this period, highlighting the significance of the language of natural law in legitimizing political power and promoting religious toleration. The Oxford History of Political Thought series provides an authoritative overview of political thought, synthesizing and expanding major developments in scholarship while placing them in a broader context of intellectual history.

\n Weight: 608g\n
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780199674886\n \n