4

The political ideas of Francesc Eiximenis The Franciscan Francesc Eiximenis (1327?-1409) was above all a preacher intent on dealing with all the issues a Christian can encounter. His work, written in Catalan, is intended mainly for the urban elites of Valencia. He sought to produce the last great medieval summary, as well as several treatises, which are as much sermons to be read, as a confluence of Franciscan legacy, scholarly tradition and Iberian thought. He is only interested in society because it is the framework within which men can find salvation. Drawing on Aristotelian sources, he regards power as an office and follows his master’s developments, but he shows his own originality in defining the legitimacy of power. He believes there is a pact between the sovereign and his subjects, who delegate their powers to him. As long as the sovereign respects this pact, his power is legitimate; should he not, he ceases to be legitimate and can or must be deposed. He also applies this vision to the town, whose role he rehabilitates and whose most indispensable individuals – the merchants – he exalts.