Property and Protest: Political Theory and Subjective Rights in Fourteenth-Century England

It has become common to locate the origins of the modern notion of subjective rights theory in late medieval scholastic and juristic writings. But comparatively little effort has been made to connect medieval ideas of individual rights to some of the other key political ideas associated with it in e...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:The Review of Politics. - Cambridge University Press. - 58(1996), 2, Seite 323-344
1. Verfasser: Nederman, Cary J. (VerfasserIn)
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 1996
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:The Review of Politics
Schlagworte:Law Political science Religion Social sciences Behavioral sciences
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:It has become common to locate the origins of the modern notion of subjective rights theory in late medieval scholastic and juristic writings. But comparatively little effort has been made to connect medieval ideas of individual rights to some of the other key political ideas associated with it in early modern thought, such as consent, limited government, and resistance to illegitimate power. This article argues that a little-known work by the English churchman William of Pagula, known as the Speculum Regis Edwardi III (1331-1332), constructs such a connection. Starting with the concept of a basic human right to property and its free use, William argues that the ruler must respect the individual lordship of his subjects if he is to gain and retain their love and approval. He also asserts in a rudimentary way the legitimacy of popular revolt against a government which violates their subjective rights.
ISSN:17486858