On Monarchy
Quick Summary
Dante Alighieri's De monarchia (On Monarchy) is a significant work of medieval political philosophy. Written around 1313, it expands on political arguments presented in his earlier work, Il convivio.
In De monarchia, Dante argues for the necessity of a universal monarchy, specifically advocating for the Holy Roman Emperor's authority. He believed that a single, divinely appointed emperor was essential to ensure peace and justice throughout the world. Dante contended that the empire derived its authority directly from God, not from the Pope, thus challenging the papal claim of supremacy over secular rulers.
The work outlines a dualistic view of human ends: earthly happiness, achieved through the emperor's governance, and eternal happiness, guided by the Pope. Dante saw these two powers as distinct but complementary, both ordained by Providence to lead humanity toward their respective goals. The treatise reflects Dante's deep concern with the political chaos of his time and his hope for a restored order under imperial rule.12
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political philosophyDanteIn De monarchia (c. 1313), still in principle highly relevant, Dante insists that only through universal peace can human faculties come to their full compass. But only “temporal monarchy” can achieve this: “a unique princedom extending over all persons in time.” The aim of civilization is…
Read MoreIn De monarchia (c. 1313), still in principle highly relevant, Dante insists that only through universal peace can human faculties come to their full compass. But only “temporal monarchy” can achieve this: “a unique princedom extending over all persons in time.” The aim of civilization is…
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priesthoodChristianity>De Monarchia (“Concerning the Monarchy”), the pope, as the head of the spiritual aspects of society, and the emperor, as the ruler of the temporal areas of concern, were equally ordained by God to exercise their functions in their respective spheres of power and influence…
Read More>De Monarchia (“Concerning the Monarchy”), the pope, as the head of the spiritual aspects of society, and the emperor, as the ruler of the temporal areas of concern, were equally ordained by God to exercise their functions in their respective spheres of power and influence…
Read More
humanismEarly historyHis De monarchia (c. 1313; On Monarchy), one of the most important tracts of medieval political philosophy, was the first major step in what would ultimately become the doctrine of the separation of church and state. His De vulgari eloquentia (c. 1304–07; On Vernacular Eloquence) was…
Read MoreHis De monarchia (c. 1313; On Monarchy), one of the most important tracts of medieval political philosophy, was the first major step in what would ultimately become the doctrine of the separation of church and state. His De vulgari eloquentia (c. 1304–07; On Vernacular Eloquence) was…
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Italian literatureDante (1265–1321)1313; On Monarchy), Dante expounded his political theories, which demanded the coordination of the two medieval powers, pope and emperor.
Read More1313; On Monarchy), Dante expounded his political theories, which demanded the coordination of the two medieval powers, pope and emperor.
Read More