“Sacerdotium” and “regnum” in John of Salisbury’s “Policraticus”: from the history of English political thought of the 12th century

Abstract

The article is devoted to clarification how English intellectual John of Salisbury (1115/1120-1180), author of famous treatise “Policraticus, of the Frivolities of Courtiers and the Footprints of Philosophers”, interprets Church place and role in establishment of political stability and civil peace in the state. John of Salisbury concepts not infrequently considered in polemical “sacerdotium” / “regnum” opposition should be analysed in the light of more large-scale “anima” / “corpus”, “fides” / “ratio” opposition, i.e. man should look for clue to understanding thinker's political discussions in separation of faith and reason.