Dante Alighieri's concept of nobiltade

ENThe article analyses Dante Alighieri’s concept of nobiltade. In the framework of cosmology and Christian theology, Dante defines nobiltade as the ability to think given to human from the First Cause, and not as titles inherited from parents or a phenomenon marked by blood kinship. Intellectual aristocracy, which is the basis of nobiltade, is associated with virtues on the one hand, and philosophical contemplation on the other. Virtues, which are the qualities given to the soul by the First Cause, form a noble human who strives for a happy life and universal well-being. Philosophy helps human to develop and realize justice and happiness on earth, whereas ultimate and perfect happiness can only be achieved by contemplating the First Cause. According to Dante, a happy life can be given to human by a state whose form of government is a monarchy. Such a state has two rulers: the monarch king and the monarch pope who rule different worlds. A noble and righteous Monarch is responsible for the earthly happiness of people, whereas the pope is responsible for heavenly bliss of people. The article also reveals Dante’s approach to the influence of stars on the bodies of the lower world and the development of a noble personality.