Philip Melanchthon

Abstract Luther’s companion lectures on the Nicomachean Ethics from the early 1530s to 1560. In this work, Aristotle’s iustitia remains the focus of his attention. While Melanchthon’s early writings follow Luther, a certain reorientation becomes visible in the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. In this work, Aristotle’s view of justice is upgraded and the realm of the law is evaluated more positively than in Luther’s theology. In his mature years, Melanchthon considers ‘legal justice’ to have a positive meaning, such as obedience to the law and the magistrates. While this consideration also follows models available in John Buridan and Jacques Lefèvre d’Étaples, it differs from Luther’s consistent criticism of legal justice. However, Melanchthon’s teaching of iustitia Dei and imputation remains faithful to Luther. As Melanchthon also includes Platonism and pedagogical Humanism in his discussion, his view is somewhat eclectic.