The political philosophy of Frederic Bastiat and his understanding of government

Basic aim of this thesis is to the 19th century philosoher introduce Frederic Bastiat?s deas to the Turkish politics and social sciences by diebating on his political philosophy and the idea of state in the classical liberal tradition. The study is divided into five chapters. In the first the historical and potical events which influenced Frederic Bastiat?s life and thoughts were examined and the life of Bastiat is given. In the second chapter Bastiat?s writtings? philosophical back ground were examined to try to determine what philosophical tradition he was in. The third chapter is resevered to Bastiat?s ideas on free trade. In the forth chapter Bastiat?s ideas on political philosophy is explained by dividing systematicly his writings into sub-subjects. In the last chapter Bastiat?s ideal state model and the connection between Bastiat?s ideas and the modern liberterian ideas of state is examined. Key Words: Political economy, political philosophy, government, free trade, French Revolution.