# Marsilius of Padua

> Italian philosopher (1275–1342)

**Wikidata**: [Q315357](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315357)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsilius_of_Padua)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marsilius-of-padua

## Summary
Marsilius of Padua was an Italian philosopher (1275–1342) known for his political and theological writings, particularly his influential work *Defensor pacis*. He was a university teacher and a key figure in medieval philosophy, shaping discussions on truth, knowledge, and governance during the medieval period.

## Biography
- Born: 1275 (exact location unknown)
- Nationality: Italian
- Education: University of Paris (affiliated with)
- Known for: Authoring *Defensor pacis*, a major political and theological treatise
- Employer(s): University of Padua (affiliated with)
- Field(s): Medieval philosophy, political theory

## Contributions
- **Defensor pacis (1324)**: A landmark political and theological work that defended the Church's authority and critiqued secular power, influencing later medieval thought.
- **Philosophical Writings**: Contributed to medieval philosophy through his discussions on truth, knowledge, and the relationship between faith and reason.
- **University Teaching**: Taught at the University of Padua, shaping intellectual discourse in the medieval period.

## FAQs
**What is Marsilius of Padua known for?**
Marsilius of Padua is known for his *Defensor pacis*, a political and theological treatise that defended the Church's authority and critiqued secular power.

**Where did Marsilius of Padua study?**
He was affiliated with the University of Paris, where he engaged in philosophical and theological studies.

**What was Marsilius of Padua's primary field of work?**
His primary field was medieval philosophy, with a focus on political theory and the relationship between faith and reason.

**What was the impact of *Defensor pacis*?**
*Defensor pacis* influenced later medieval thought by defending the Church's authority and critiquing secular power, shaping political and theological discussions.

## Why They Matter
Marsilius of Padua played a crucial role in shaping medieval philosophy and political thought. His *Defensor pacis* remains a foundational text in discussions on the Church's authority and the balance between faith and reason. His writings influenced later philosophical movements and continue to be studied for their contributions to medieval intellectual traditions.

## Notable For
- Author of *Defensor pacis*, a landmark political and theological treatise.
- Affiliated with the University of Padua, where he taught and contributed to medieval philosophy.
- A key figure in medieval philosophy, shaping discussions on truth, knowledge, and governance.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Marsilius of Padua was born in 1275. He studied at the University of Paris, where he engaged in philosophical and theological discourse, aligning with the intellectual traditions of medieval thought.

### Philosophical Contributions
Marsilius of Padua made significant contributions to medieval philosophy through his writings, particularly *Defensor pacis* (1324). This work defended the Church's authority and critiqued secular power, influencing later medieval political and theological discussions.

### University Teaching
He was affiliated with the University of Padua, where he taught and contributed to the intellectual discourse of the medieval period. His teaching shaped the philosophical and theological education of his students.

### Legacy
Marsilius of Padua's legacy endures in the study of medieval philosophy and political theory. His *Defensor pacis* remains a foundational text, and his influence on medieval thought continues to be recognized in academic and theological studies.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. LIBRIS. 2012
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
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10. CONOR.SI
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Autoritats UB
14. [Source](https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/marsilio-da-padova)
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. Enciclopedia Treccani
17. Dizionario di Storia
18. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Marsyliusz-z-Padwy;3938094.html)
19. Treccani Philosophy
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21. HMML Authority File
22. Digital Scriptorium Catalog