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Political Science → Jean Bodin’s Philosophy
The Politiques
This new party in France emerged against the religious differences and for national unity. These thinkers were afraid that religious differences would wreck the nation. They called for united citizenry. They found solution of peace in monarchical absolutism. They were criticised for being more concerned about their comfort rather than salvation of men’s souls.
Jean Bodin (1530-96)
Highly regarded by king Henry III, Bodin was appointed King’s attorney at Laon. To the problems in France, he had no easy answer but adherence to law, state, government and human society. Bodin supported law having a social purpose but he conditioned it with reform in law.
Bodin’s concept of Political Economy was earliest of its kind. He analysed economic difficulties of Western Europe, advocated free trade and cited economic factors underlying states’ relations.
In his Theory of History, Bodin advocated significance of past to teach about future. He conditioned making reforms with study of the past. Biding repudiated that past was Golden. He stated that every coming day is better than the previous one.
Bodin gave his absurd Climate Theory. He equated three different climatic zones with three principal types of people: those in Southern climes are passive thus accepting autocratic rules. Those in Northern climes are active and ambitious yet less intelligent. Those in central zone are superior and favour monarchy.
Bodin’s greatest work was Six Livers de la Republique – 1557. In it he propounded Theory of State including the exposition of Sovereignty. He also discussed his views about family. Bodin believes that Family is natural community of mankind. This unit represents stage of human development. He supported patriarchy. The health of family units determines the condition of state. Families form larger associations through social cooperation necessitated by economic interests, religious proclivities and demand for protection.
Following that he explains his Well-Ordered State. He believes that state rests upon force and that’s not justified. It should rest upon sovereignty. He states further that sovereignty is not an end but it’s an instrument designed to advance the purpose for which state exists. That purpose is securing good of both mind and body: first bodily interests including defence, justice and economic welfare. For this state’s authority shall be pervasive and must be felt. He defines sovereignty as supreme power over citizens, unrestrained by law. Without sovereignty, state is non-existent. It is demonstrated through enactment of laws. Sovereignty comes from man’s nature and not from God.
Sovereignty is exercised by legitimate authority I.e monarchy, aristocracy or democracy. Illegitimate authority can’t exercise sovereignty. Bodin suggests even to kill illegitimate ruler if necessary. Of all systems he preferred anarchy because only this can curb all challenges. Not participatory citizenship like that in Greek can work here. Citizens are at liberty but not in front of law.
He also points out the qualities of wise ruler in state. He ought to anticipate things and avoid instability. He should not let wide gap between rich and poor as this promotes revolution. He should supervise courts to render justice. Imposition of taxes shall be carefully done and with consent of subjects unless necessary otherwise. Lastly, sovereign can’t be compelled to obey laws. People have no right of revolution against him.