Concepts of power in political thought of Antiquity and the Middle Ages

the article examines conceptual approaches to the phenomenon of political power, characteristic of the era of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. The author believes that the foundations and direction of the first discussions about power were laid by the teachings of Plato, who describes power as the ability to establish correct and fair norms of human community. Aristotle considers power in the context of social communication. He regards power as an inevitable and natural phenomenon for the life of a human community. The presence of relations of dominance and subordination between people is necessary for the sake of mutual benefit and the establishment of the common good. In ancient Rome, power usually meant a certain type of legal relationship. It was not considered an independent entity, but rather a set of powers enshrined in applicable law. For Christianity, power has a transcendental nature, since it is established by God. At the same time, if Augustine Aurelius speaks of the sinful nature of political power, then Thomas Aquinas, continuing the tradition of Antiquity, defines power as a way to achieve the common good and justice. According to the author of the article, all theories have much in common: power is considered as a type of social communication, the justification of power always includes a reference to some higher values or religion, the exercise of power in the minds of thinkers of Antiquity and the Middle Ages is closely connected with lawmaking. Also, all points of view are characterized by the idea of power as an institution for achieving justice and social well-being.

political power, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine Aurelius, Thomas Aquinas, laws, history of political doctrines, good, justice.