“Office Is a Thing Borrowed”
Daniel Lee
Jean Bodin’s analysis in Six Livres de la République is often understood as evidence of his alleged political absolutism. This article examines theory offices to argue that this a misguided view thought. I begin by revisiting distinction between the “sovereignty” and “government” state. It latter Bodin constructs normative doctrine warning dangers “ seigneurial” rule. As show, purpose was reject seigneurial rule contrasting it with lawful rule, mode government which public power discharged according law custom, not will. Essential concept office envisioned officer an independent intermediary “borrowing” powers, from higher magistrates or prince (as medieval lawyers traditionally argued), but only impersonal
Political Theory