The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine
A study of the work, philosophy, and life of the influential eighteenth-century American writer.

This concise, thoughtful introduction to the work of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and Rights of Man, explores the impact of one of the most influential minds of the American and French Revolutions and the sources from which his thinking evolved.

In Jack Fruchtman Jr.’s helpful interpretation, Paine built his argument for radical revolution in 1776 on a study of nature and Providence and a belief in natural rights. Men and women owed it to themselves to break the chains of rank, hierarchy, and even organized religion in order to live freely, embracing the possibilities of invention, progress, and equality that lay ahead. In 1793, at the height of the French Revolution and its secularizing fury, Paine reminded readers that it was nature's God who created natural rights. The rights of man thus held out both the great potential of freedom and the requirement that human beings be responsible for those who were the least fortunate in society. On balance we may think of Paine as a secular preacher for the rule of reason.

“A compelling portrait of Thomas Paine as a serious, complex, and often surprising writer. . . . This is a very useful volume for new students of U.S. political thought, as well as for scholars seeking a quick but illuminating overview of Paine’s writings and philosophy.” —Choice

“A great way for the newcomer to appreciate the range, diversity, and raw power and brilliance of Paine's ideas.” —Claremont Review of Books

“Fruchtman’s concise analysis is tightly focused. . . . A coherent vision of Paine’s work, encompassing his many contradictions.” —Times Literary Supplement (UK)
"1100638810"
The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine
A study of the work, philosophy, and life of the influential eighteenth-century American writer.

This concise, thoughtful introduction to the work of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and Rights of Man, explores the impact of one of the most influential minds of the American and French Revolutions and the sources from which his thinking evolved.

In Jack Fruchtman Jr.’s helpful interpretation, Paine built his argument for radical revolution in 1776 on a study of nature and Providence and a belief in natural rights. Men and women owed it to themselves to break the chains of rank, hierarchy, and even organized religion in order to live freely, embracing the possibilities of invention, progress, and equality that lay ahead. In 1793, at the height of the French Revolution and its secularizing fury, Paine reminded readers that it was nature's God who created natural rights. The rights of man thus held out both the great potential of freedom and the requirement that human beings be responsible for those who were the least fortunate in society. On balance we may think of Paine as a secular preacher for the rule of reason.

“A compelling portrait of Thomas Paine as a serious, complex, and often surprising writer. . . . This is a very useful volume for new students of U.S. political thought, as well as for scholars seeking a quick but illuminating overview of Paine’s writings and philosophy.” —Choice

“A great way for the newcomer to appreciate the range, diversity, and raw power and brilliance of Paine's ideas.” —Claremont Review of Books

“Fruchtman’s concise analysis is tightly focused. . . . A coherent vision of Paine’s work, encompassing his many contradictions.” —Times Literary Supplement (UK)
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The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine

The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine

by Jack Fruchtman Jr.
The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine

The Political Philosophy of Thomas Paine

by Jack Fruchtman Jr.

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Overview

A study of the work, philosophy, and life of the influential eighteenth-century American writer.

This concise, thoughtful introduction to the work of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and Rights of Man, explores the impact of one of the most influential minds of the American and French Revolutions and the sources from which his thinking evolved.

In Jack Fruchtman Jr.’s helpful interpretation, Paine built his argument for radical revolution in 1776 on a study of nature and Providence and a belief in natural rights. Men and women owed it to themselves to break the chains of rank, hierarchy, and even organized religion in order to live freely, embracing the possibilities of invention, progress, and equality that lay ahead. In 1793, at the height of the French Revolution and its secularizing fury, Paine reminded readers that it was nature's God who created natural rights. The rights of man thus held out both the great potential of freedom and the requirement that human beings be responsible for those who were the least fortunate in society. On balance we may think of Paine as a secular preacher for the rule of reason.

“A compelling portrait of Thomas Paine as a serious, complex, and often surprising writer. . . . This is a very useful volume for new students of U.S. political thought, as well as for scholars seeking a quick but illuminating overview of Paine’s writings and philosophy.” —Choice

“A great way for the newcomer to appreciate the range, diversity, and raw power and brilliance of Paine's ideas.” —Claremont Review of Books

“Fruchtman’s concise analysis is tightly focused. . . . A coherent vision of Paine’s work, encompassing his many contradictions.” —Times Literary Supplement (UK)

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780801895371
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date: 02/03/2022
Series: The Political Philosophy of the American Founders
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 225
File size: 2 MB
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Jack Fruchtman Jr. is a professor of political science at Towson University and author of Atlantic Cousins: Benjamin Franklin and His Visionary Friends, The Supreme Court: Rulings on American Government and Society, and Thomas Paine and the Religion of Nature, also published by Johns Hopkins.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Paine's Political Thought in Historical Context
2. Faith and Reason, Human Nature and Sociability
3. Common Sense, Authority, and Autonomy
4. Permanent Revolution and Constitution Making
5. From a "Hamiltonian" Spirit to Public Welfare
6. Public Spirit, Civic Engagement, and Evolutionary Change
Conclusion
Appendix: A Note on Paine's American National Consciousness
Notes
Recommended Reading
Index

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