A Study On The Privileges Of European Universities From The 12^th To 15^th Century ——The Cases Of Bologna University,Paris University And Oxford University

Privileges run through the development of European universities from the 12th to 15th century.They are the basis for the development of European universities,which guarantee the autonomy of European universities from the 12th to 15th century.University autonomy has continued from the 12th to 15th century and has never been interrupted.It has become the cultural capital and spiritual pillar for modern western universities to strive for autonomy.Based on it,this dissertation adheres to the historical materialism,adopts interdisciplinary methods such as history,pedagogy,and law,and takes European university privileges as the study object.This dissertation conducts a historical inspection of university privileges and summarizes the essential characteristics of university privileges through the interpretation of the charters.The dissertation interprets the university privileges which satisfies to the times and the social background.The dissertation takes Bologna University,Paris University and Oxford University as examples.On the basis of a full understanding of the formation of the three universities and the acquisition of legal personality of the three universities,the university privileges are embedded in the background of the time.The dissertation deeply analyzes the relationship between the privileges of the three universities and the cities,kings and popes,sorts out the manifestations of privileges in different periods,outlines the development of European university privileges,and summarizes the commonality and differences of the privileges of the three universities.Besides,it discusses the relationship between European university privileges,university autonomy and academic freedom,and has a deeper understanding of the nature of European university privileges.Universities begin in the Middle Ages.Bologna,Paris,and Oxford are the major birthplace of universities.From the 12th century to 13 th century,teachers and students spontaneously form a community of scholars to safeguard their own interests in Bologna,Paris and Oxford.The community imitates the Commerce guild or Craft guild.As a community,the legal status of the community of scholars is regulated by the supreme authority.The popes and kings give charters to university for different reasons at different periods because of common interests and the contradiction between popes and kings.As a kind of identity agreement,the charter is the legal certificate of the legal status of the university.The charter is not the right contract between the universities and the popes,the kings.Charter is also the legal text for recording and issuing university privileges.Bologna University takes the lead in obtaining charters and privileges.At the beginning of the rise of Bologna University,the emperor realizes the value of the university,takes the initiative to show his favor to Bologna University,and continuously awards the university charter.The most typical example is “Authentica Habita” promulgated by Frederick I,which is also the first charter of Bologna University.Facing the rise of Bologna University,Bologna tries to take an oath to control Bologna University.Students resists it,turns to the Pope for help.As an ally of Bologna university,the pope successively issues charters and grants Bologna university many privileges.The privileges of Paris University have been created,developed and restricted from the 12th to the 15th century.Paris University skillfully utilizes the contradiction between the king and the pope,selects the objects of dependence according to the time and situation,and strives to obtain more privileges.Privileges contribute to make the governance of Paris University develop in the direction of standardization,institutionalization and legalization.Because of the strengthening of the king and the abuse of the privileges,the kings successively cancels the privileges of Paris University since the mid-15th century.Due to geography and kingship,the popes interfere less with Oxford University than Paris University in the same period.The kings mediate the conflict between the two sides,and favor Oxford University.Oxford University has obtained various privileges through the conflicts,and has become a manager above the citizens,and has enjoyed a high degree of autonomy.The Privileges of Bologna University,Paris University,and Oxford University are commonality and differences.From the 12th to the 15th century,privileges of the European universities are specific rights,transfer of power,and an exemption and freedom.Privileges are not only the result of the game between the universities,the popes,the kings and the cities,but also are one of measures of the popes and the kings for controlling universities.Privileges are not only the guarantee of the prosperity and autonomy of universities,but also the inducement of the corruption and closure of universities.It will recognize social phenomena such as European universities,corporation,privilege,university autonomy and academic freedom from the historical roots,and understand the governance mechanism of European universities.It will help clarify the connection and difference between European university autonomy and modern university autonomy from the 12th to 15th century.It contributes to the important academic value for promoting the research on the history of European medieval universities.And it plays a great important role in deepening the research on paths of the autonomy of modern western university.