Description
Asnografía
Book Summary
In this work, Benito Arias Montano, one of the most erudite figures of the Spanish Renaissance, unfolds his mature political thought. Far from being a simple treatise on government, the book offers a profound reflection on the nature of power, just war, and the geopolitics of his time, all from a humanist and theological perspective. The reader will find a rigorous and scholarly analysis that connects classical doctrine with the challenges of the Spanish Empire, presented with the intellectual authority of one of the greatest sages of his era.
What is it about?
The work falls within the Renaissance tradition of "mirrors for princes," but goes further by addressing fundamental questions regarding political order and morality in government. Arias Montano examines the foundations of legitimate power, the conditions for a just war, and territorial organization from a perspective that combines theology, political philosophy, and geographical knowledge. The text is structured as a treatise where the author, utilizing his vast biblical and classical erudition, offers a model of an ideal ruler and analyzes the tensions between moral duty and raison d'état, providing keys to understanding the political thought of Christian humanism in the context of the 16th-century Spanish monarchy.
Main Themes
- Theory of power and the legitimacy of the ruler in the Renaissance.
- Doctrine of just war and its moral and political implications.
- Relationship between theology, ethics, and the exercise of government.
- Political geography and territorial organization of the Empire.
- Christian humanism as a basis for reflection on the State.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at researchers and students of the history of political thought, Renaissance philosophy, and moral theology. It will also be of great interest to specialists in the figure of Benito Arias Montano and the history of the Spanish Empire. Readers with an academic background in political science, modern history, or humanistic studies will find this work to be a first-rate primary source for understanding the intellectual foundations of power in the 16th century.
What this book provides
- Direct access to the original political thought of one of the most influential humanists of the Spanish Renaissance.
- A deep and contextualized analysis of key concepts such as legitimate power and just war.
- Essential reference material for academic research on 16th-century political theory.
- A scholarly perspective that connects the classical tradition with the governance problems of its time.
Technical Specifications
- Author: BENITO ARIAS MONTANO
- Publisher: University of Huelva
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT, WAR AND DEFENSE, POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY
- Collection: FUND
- Publication Date: August 2016
- Number of pages: 548
- Weight: 1595 g
Editorial Review
This is an academic edition of great value for the study of Renaissance political thought. The work of Arias Montano, less well-known than that of other authors of his time, offers a unique perspective due to its theological depth and classical erudition. This volume is essential for any library specializing in the history of thought or studies on Christian humanism, and it constitutes a fundamental work tool for those investigating the intellectual bases of power in Golden Age Spain.