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Ancient and Medieval Political Theory - Assignment Example

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Thomas Aquinas was among key political thinkers and philosophers during the medieval period. Aquinas addressed various tenets including that of kingship1. Christianity and religious…

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Subject: Social science
Type: Assignment
Level: High School
Pages: 1 (250 words)
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Author: stiedemannlilli

Extract of sample "Ancient and Medieval Political Theory"

Ancient and Medieval Political Theory Ancient and Medieval Political Theory Introduction The theory originated from the medieval period between 5th Century AD and 15th Century AD. Thomas Aquinas was among key political thinkers and philosophers during the medieval period. Aquinas addressed various tenets including that of kingship1. Christianity and religious leaders influenced people to lose political and freedom of thinking. The tag of war between the church and the civil society is similar to the Thebes’ civil war in Antigone Sophocles setting.

Two brothers, Eteocles and Polyneises are on the opposing sides of the battle and their sisters, Antigone and Ismene too show contrasting personalities.Relationships between the concepts and challengesAquinas in the theory hypothesized the concept of nature to help society members understand that there is a supernatural being beyond this earth. Aquinas further argues that the world is merely a resting bay after which humans move to another life. This concept outstands in the Thebes society when various characters keep invoking the punishment sinners will receive from gods after death.

Creon’s wife, Eurydice commits suicide cursing the husband and expressing her wish for god’s punishment upon the death of the husband. The blind prophet Tiresias brings the supernatural concept by claiming prophesies of god’s desires and anger to the king. The concepts solve the conflict between the church and the human freedom to think. It shows that the actions of the worldly authority must reconcile with the wishes of the church for harmonious coexistence.The concept of sovereignty is the source of law.

Based on political ideologies and tenets, sovereignty rests with the people’s power. Based on theological points of view, however, sovereignty originates from God. It, therefore, gives individuals the freedom to make decisions without autocracy from rulers and the church. The concept of supremacy of the church also creates harmony between the church and the government. Creon, the dictator who does not obey the will of his people, chorus later comes to lament when his son Haemon and wife commits suicide for his actions.

Disobedience of sovereignty attracts heavy punishment from God irrespective of who you are in the society. Bibliography Nederman, Cary and Kate, Forhan. “Readings in medieval political theory: 1100 – 1400”. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett Publ. 2000.

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