Exploring the Philosophy and Influence of Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet

Introduction Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704) was a prominent French bishop, theologian, and orator during the reign of Louis XIV. His works, particularly in the realm of political philosophy and theology, had a lasting impact on the development of Enlightenment thought and the discourse surrounding the divine right of kings. This report aims to explore Bossuet’s philosophical contributions, particularly his views on monarchy and providentialism, and to examine his influence on both contemporaneous and later thinkers. By analyzing his ideas and their implications, this paper seeks to clarify the complexities of his thought and its relevance in historical and modern contexts.

Main Body Bossuet’s political philosophy is most prominently articulated in his work “Politique tirée des propres paroles de l’Écriture sainte” (“Politics Drawn from the Very Words of Holy Scripture”). Here, he argues