William of Ockham's Early Theory of Property Rights in Context

William of Ockham's Early Theory of Property Rights in Context

By Jonathan William Robinson

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the medieval foundations of property rights through the lens of Franciscan spirituality and intellectual tradition. Jonathan William Robinson examines how William of Ockham, the renowned 14th-century philosopher and Franciscan friar, developed his influential theories about ownership, poverty, and natural rights within the context of his religious community's ongoing debates.

Rather than studying Ockham in isolation, Robinson places his ideas alongside those of his Franciscan contemporaries, including Bonagratia of Bergamo, Michael of Cesena, and Francis of Marchia. This contextual approach reveals how these medieval thinkers grappled with fundamental questions about material possessions, voluntary poverty, and the relationship between spiritual values and worldly goods.

The book offers fresh insights into how Ockham's understanding of property rights emerged from intense theological and philosophical discussions within the Franciscan order. By examining these debates in their proper historical setting, Robinson corrects longstanding misunderstandings about Ockham's contributions to natural law theory and political thought.

For readers interested in the intersection of spirituality and social justice, this work illuminates how medieval religious communities wrestled with questions that remain relevant today. How do we balance material needs with spiritual aspirations? What constitutes just ownership? These timeless questions find thoughtful examination through the careful analysis of Franciscan intellectual tradition and its enduring influence on Western thought about rights, property, and human dignity.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~12 hours)

📄 Length: 420 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Vow of Poverty
  • ✓ Explore Right of property
  • ✓ Explore Property
  • ✓ Explore Scholastik
  • ✓ Explore Franciscans
  • ✓ Explore Poverty
  • ✓ Explore Christianity
  • ✓ Explore Religious aspects

Topics Covered

Vow of Poverty Right of property Property Scholastik Franciscans Poverty Christianity Religious aspects Rechtsphilosophie History History of doctrines Eigentum Wirtschaftsphilosophie Catholic Church Criticism and interpretation RELIGION / Institutions & Organizations Theology Armut

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