... of positive law, both men resisted the radical transformation of society through religious zealotry. "[B]oth men,"" Martin writes, "would affirm [liberty], but liberty within the context of authority."" Such views were challenged by those who denied that liberty was a means by which men served ends that were properly human. Pico della Mirandola illustrates this "spirit of the ... Renaissance."" He maintained that man is "liberated from superstitions and unnatural social restraints,...[and]...could recover the lost image of God within himself."" Machiavelli identified liberty as man's se...

• Word Count: 2975
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate