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Vindiciae contra tyrannos
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Vindiciae contra tyrannos

work attributed to Mornay
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The Vindiciae contra tyrannos (1579), meaning "A Defense of Liberty Against Tyrants," is a significant work of Protestant political thought. While its authorship is debated, it is often attributed to Philippe de Mornay or Hubert Languet.1

This text argues for a contract between a ruler and their people. If a ruler becomes a tyrant and breaks this contract, the people have the right to depose them. This idea aligns with the concept of monarchomachs, who opposed absolute monarchy and defended resistance to tyrannical government, even through tyrannicide. The work emerged during a period of religious and political turmoil in France, following events like the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. Philippe de Mornay, seigneur du Plessis-Marly
  2. Mornay
  3. tyrannicide
  4. tyrannicide
  5. monarchomach

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