• Names and Social Contracts: Late Gaelic Ireland and Celtic Studies

    Author(s):
    Eoin O'Neill (see profile)
    Date:
    2018
    Group(s):
    Renaissance / Early Modern Studies
    Subject(s):
    History, Sixteenth century, Seventeenth century, Ireland, Military history
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    Contractualism, Nine Years War, sixteenth century, Early modern history, Gaelic Ireland
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/8373-wa79
    Abstract:
    Abstract: Sixteenth century Gaelic Ireland is not normally associated with Celtic Studies. The aim of this paper is to show that not only can it be included, but it can also produce many useful insights for Celtic Studies. Using as an illustration a minor skirmish which occurred during the Nine Years War in Ireland, this paper will show how what at first may seem straightforward questions can be problematised, while also shedding a light on identity in sixteenth-century Ireland. Finally, the question of Gaelic contractualism is examined. This concept was quite widespread in Europe during the Renaissance and the later Medieval period, and in the works of sixteenth-century Spanish writers, notably Vitoria and Suárez, it gained a sophistication and radicalism not found in Hobbes or Locke. In Gaelic contractualism, the contract was not something rhetorical, or established in a distant past, rather it was dynamic, and allowed for a change of allegiance.
    Metadata:
    Published as:
    Journal article    
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    5 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved

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