P257 Class 6: Providence in Politics - De Maistre

Class Learning Objectives
• Describe de Maistre’s account of “providence” and it’s role in political life
• Explain how the French Revolution fits into this account of providence
• Evaluate de Maistre’s argument for the divine foundation of political constitutions.
• Explain and evaluate his argument for the restoration of the monarchy.
Required Reading:
• De Maistre, Joseph. (1796) 1994. Considerations on France. Edited and translated by Richard A. Lebrun. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Chapters 1-2, 4-6, 9-10. (Moodle).