Western Middle Ages

The study of the political thought of Western Europe in the Middle Ages has been reshaped in the last half century. This chapter begins by considering current attitudes toward the field both within and beyond the academy. It then focuses on how political thought in this period should be defined, arguing that the key to our changing understanding lies in methodological considerations that raise questions about periodization and sources. Such questions have broken down traditional barriers between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and led to the rejection of an Aristotelian revolution. In addition to the increased influence attributed to classical texts beyond Aristotle’s writings, the chapter considers the emerging significance attached to biblical sources, the broadening of the traditional canon of political thinkers, and the extent to which non-traditional sources, such as chronicles, and the intersection between political theory and reality have become legitimate means for exploring political thought.