The Political Animal in Medieval Philosophy: A Philosophical Study of the Commentary Tradition c.1260–c.1410. Juhana Toivanen. Studien und Texte zur Geistesgeschichte des Mittelalters 129. Leiden: Brill, 2021. xiv + 434 pp. €145

• Published in: Renaissance quarterly Vol. 76; no. 1; pp. 321 - 322
• Main Author: Nauta, Lodi
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Cambridge University Press 01.04.2023
• Subjects: Animals; Philosophy; Political power; Political systems; Politics; Society; Traditions
• ISSN: 0034-4338; 1935-0236
• DOI: 10.1017/rqx.2023.173

In six chapters Toivanen discusses terminological issues; the biological basis of human sociability (where self-preservation and the preservation of the species play a key role); the role of the political community in attaining a happy life in the Aristotelian sense (and whether everybody can attain that status); the importance of language in attaining this goal (without language we won't be able to talk about what is just and unjust); the similarities and differences between humans and animals (and whether social animals such as bees can also be called political, and if so in what sense); the place of humans between beasts and gods (and whether a human life outside political society is possible). Given the theme of the book, well-known political thinkers such as Dante and Marsilio of Padua don't play a prominent role, for this book is not about political institutions, the ideal political institution, the relationship between the secular power and the Church, or the nature of political power. [...]it does not pay much attention to historical influence or chronological issues.