Michał Wielhorski i Gabriel Bonnot de Mably. Oświeceniowa myśl francuska a ewolucja poglądów sarmackiego republikanina

Abstract

In this article author depicts influence of French political philosophy of the Enlightenment period, represented by Gabriel Bonnot de Mably, on views of typical sarmatian conservatist, namely Lithuanian Master of the Kitchen, Michał Wielhorski. Wielhorski, representing mentality characteristic for this group, during so‑called Czaplic’s sejm of 1766 defended the law of liberum veto and opposed reforms proposed by Czartoryskis’ “Familia”. After forming of Bar confederation in 1768 he became its representative on French court, what allowed him to contact Mably. As a result, political views of Master of Kitchen undergoal most complete revaluation, what can be seen in treatise published in 1775 O przywróceniu dawnego rządu według pierwiastkowych Rzeczypospolitej ustaw (Eng. Of restoration of former government by Republic’s fundamental laws). In its content influence of French philosopher is clearly visible, beside legal and constitutional concepts of Enlightement period (sovereignity of nation, separation of powers, contractualism).