Juan de Mariana
Spanish Jesuit, historian and theologian, who writes for the education of a prince that power comes from the community and that a tyrant may be deposed and, as a last resort, killed.
Life
Spanish Jesuit (1536-1624), theologian and historian, who taught in Rome, Paris and Toledo. His History of Spain made him famous. In a treatise written for the education of the prince, he holds that power comes from the community and that a tyrant may be deposed, even killed as a last resort, which caused a scandal. He matters for the questions on justice and obedience.
Main works
Treatise on the training of the prince, admitting that the community may depose a tyrant.
A large history of Spain in Latin, first published in 20 books.
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceHis political theory is built on a Catholic theology in which the power of kings is limited by God and natural law.
Mariana, De rege et regis institutione (1599)
A tyrant breaks a natural law that binds kings and peoples alike, which justifies removing him.
Mariana, De rege et regis institutione (1599)