An Aristotelean Argument for Unity of Regimes in Dominican and Jesuit Papalist Writings

Abstract

Aristotle, arguing for the ‘Unmoved Mover’ in the Metaphysics, quoted Homer on the need for one leader. The Metaphysics, in Latin, included that quotation. Thomas Aquinas used examples from daily life in interpreting the Metaphysics. However, Dominicans, followed by the Jesuits, reversed this argument, saying Aristotle indicated the need for a single ruler in any polity. According to them, that ruler was the pope in the Church. In the sixteenth century this argument was attacked by John Calvin. Robert Bellarmine replied, rejecting Calvin’s interpretation of Aristotle’s text. However, in the seventeenth century, the entire argument from the Metaphysics ceased to have a place in political discourse.