Two cities: the earthly (based on self-love) and the heavenly (based on love of God). The state is a necessary evil due to original sin. Justice is “giving each his due” but only possible in a Christian community. This justifies church authority over secular rulers — a tension that dominates the Middle Ages.
In light of this rich intellectual history, it is clear that a comprehensive understanding of European political philosophy is essential for anyone interested in politics, governance, or social theory. A book that aims to provide an overview of this complex subject would be a valuable resource for scholars and students alike. While we do not have access to Bhandari's specific book, History of European Political Philosophy by Bhandari PDF 15 , we can infer that such a work would likely cover the major milestones and thinkers in European political philosophy, from ancient Greece to contemporary debates. history of european political philosophy by bhandari pdf 15
Moving out of antiquity, the narrative shifts to the Medieval period, where political philosophy became intertwined with theology. St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas bridged the gap between Greek philosophy and Christian doctrine. Two cities: the earthly (based on self-love) and
This era is often summarized in academic texts as the period where the "Universal Church" dominated political life, setting the scene for the fragmentation of authority during the Renaissance. This justifies church authority over secular rulers —