Pierwszy państwowiec Rzeczypospolitej? O myśli politycznej Michała Bobrzyńskiego ………. 15

This work was created as a form of commemoration for the distinguished Kraków historian Michał Bobrzyński, who significantly contributed to the development of Polish conservatism. The aim was to reconstruct the political views espoused by Bobrzyński throughout his life – from his student years and initial encounters with political philosophy, to his public activity in the Second Polish Republic. A thorough analysis of Bobrzyński’s thought allowed for the identification of the thinkers and ideologies that had the greatest influence on his views, the form of Polish state organization he considered most desirable, and an assessment of the relevance of his political concepts in the context of contemporary conservative challenges. Michał Bobrzyński’s political thought is marked by a high degree of diversity, containing both classical conservative elements (such as communitarianism, attachment to tradition and faith, and a broad scope of state powers) as well as early liberal ideas (e.g., the postulate of a secular state and equality before the law). This brings Bobrzyński closer to the Christian democratic tradition, which combines respect for individual freedom with a  sense of responsibility toward the state, while advocating the development of public institutions aimed at reducing social inequalities and fostering civic attitudes. Even ninety years aft er his death, Bobrzyński’s views can still provide a balanced and substantive voice in the ongoing debate among Polish conservatives regarding the role of the state and the degree of its intervention in citizens’ daily lives.