Ancient history

What is divine theory?

The divine theory or right theory is the belief that a monarch receives the right to rule directly from God. This theory has been used to justify the absolute power of monarchs, as it suggests that they are responsible only to God and not to the people they govern.

The divine theory was first proposed by ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, who argued that a ruler should be like a philosopher king, someone who is wise and just and who governs in the best interests of the people. In medieval Europe, the divine theory was widely held by the Catholic Church, which taught that kings and queens were the anointed representatives of God on Earth and that their authority should not be challenged.

The divine theory has been used to justify the rule of many different types of monarchs, from benevolent rulers who used their power to improve the lives of their subjects to tyrannical despots who abused their power and oppressed the people. However, the divine theory has also been criticized by many people, who argue that it gives too much power to one individual and that it can be used to justify any type of injustice or cruelty.

In the modern world, the divine theory is no longer widely accepted. Most countries now have democratic governments, which are based on the principle that power should come from the people and not from a single ruler. However, some people still believe in the divine theory and argue that it is the best way to ensure a stable and just society.