Thomas Paine and His Influence on Political Philosophy

Thomas Paine's Formative Years and Emergence as a Political Writer

Thomas Paine was born on January 29, 1737 (not 1736), in Thetford, Norfolk, England. He grew to become a significant political philosopher, influencing the American and French revolutions with his writings. Paine's formal education ended when he was twelve, leading him to pursue a path of self-education through extensive reading and writing. His initial engagement with political issues came with the publication of "The Case of the Officers of Excise" in 1772, where he argued for better pay for tax officers, a group to which he belonged. A transformative meeting with Benjamin Franklin in London in 1774 resulted in Paine receiving a letter of recommendation that facilitated his move to the American colonies. Once in America, Paine found work as a journalist, writing articles and essays that would lay the groundwork for his later influential pamphlets.

"Common Sense" and the Development of "Rights of Man"

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," published in January 1776, was a defining pamphlet that propelled him to fame as a political thinker. Its widespread influence prepared the intellectual ground for his later work, "Rights of Man," written in 1791 as a defense of the French Revolution and a rebuttal to Edmund Burke's conservative critique. Paine's "Rights of Man" argued for the principles of equality, popular sovereignty, and the rights of citizens against the idea of hereditary rule and aristocratic privilege. His experiences in revolutionary France and his alignment with the principles of both the American and French revolutions informed his advocacy for natural rights and a government based on the consent of the governed.

The Core Philosophical Tenets of "Rights of Man"

In "Rights of Man," Thomas Paine articulates a vision of political philosophy that champions individual freedom and the democratic ideals that were emerging in America. Contrary to Burke's argument for the sanctity of tradition and inherited governance, Paine posits that each generation has the sovereign authority to form a government that suits its common needs. He criticizes the concept of hereditary rule and the preservation of laws that prioritize the interests of past generations over the living. Paine underscores the necessity of consent in governance, maintaining that the people have the right to change or abolish a government that fails to serve its purpose.

Paine's Reflections on the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen

Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" includes an examination of the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which was adopted by the National Assembly in 1789. He praises the declaration for affirming the equality of all men and the role of laws in safeguarding societal welfare while respecting individual freedoms, such as speech, religion, and fair legal processes. Paine regarded the French attempt to establish a new government as an exemplar for Europe, with the potential to eradicate tyranny and advance personal liberties.

Paine's Condemnation of Hereditary Rule and Monarchical Systems

A central argument in "Rights of Man" is Thomas Paine's condemnation of hereditary government and monarchy. He asserts that intelligence and wisdom cannot be inherited and that people are inherently capable of governing themselves. Citing the success of the relatively young American republic, Paine challenges the notion that monarchies are necessary, suggesting that such beliefs are perpetuated by those who benefit from the system, such as the aristocracy. He implies that England may need to consider constitutional reforms to ensure that power and wealth are used to benefit the populace rather than the state.

Envisioning a Just Society and Upholding the Right to Revolution

Thomas Paine argues that the majority of individuals living under hereditary governments are oppressed and desire improved living conditions. He defines government as the stewardship of a nation's collective interests, which should be accountable to society as a whole rather than to a monarch or a privileged few. Paine suggests that if this governance philosophy were adopted globally, it could lead to a significant reduction in conflict. He envisions a society where the only limit to achieving justice and equality is the extent of human imagination, as evidenced by the transformative American and French revolutions.

The Enduring Significance of Paine's Ideas and the Expansion in "Rights of Man" Part Two

In the second part of "Rights of Man," released in 1792, Thomas Paine expands on the foundational principles that had resonated internationally during the American Revolution. He contrasts the war-prone nature of monarchies with republics that prioritize the liberties of their citizens. Paine discusses the importance of constitutions in reflecting the collective will and the necessity of checks and balances to prevent power from becoming concentrated. His vision for a government that seeks the happiness of its people includes proposals for redistributing state resources to support the vulnerable, underscoring the principle that policies should be evaluated based on their justice rather than their novelty.