Akademik

(c. 1325–1382). Philip studied law at the Uni versity of Orleans, France, and was priest of the main church of the city of Leiden. He was appointed a councilor to the Count of Hol land, William V(1329–1389), and wrote a famous treatise on politi cal affairs (De cura reipublica et sorte principantis), in which he proved to be an advocate of a strong quasi-monarchical authority. Philip argued for a reduction of the power of the nobility and of the privilegedcities in the countyof Holland. Civil servants had to func tion as real servants of the ruler. In his aristocratic opinion, the wealthiest and most prominent citizens should form the government to the exclusion of democratic elements, such as the guilds.