On Burke and Paine

Paper Summary:

This paper compares the writings and philosophies of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine, as detailed in their respective works "Reflections on the Revolution in France" and "Rights of Man". Both books explore the foundations and obligations of the citizen and his government. The author of this paper maintains that Paine's piece is superior, particular since it was written in many ways as a rebuttal to Burke's. This paper details the philosophers' perspectives on several parallel issues, concluding that Paine's argument that the power lays with the people is more compelling than Burke's justification of the ruling class.

From the Paper:

"Let us look at how they tackle the origins of the rights of man, and in so doing, we will be able to analyze the argumentative style of each author and compare them. Burke contends that the people of England are unjustified in any gripe they might have with Parliament, for as he sees it, the government established that the people of England were subordinate to the government for all time. According to Burke, a 17th century Parliament that declared English citizens to be loyal and subordinate to Parliament denies the people the right in his present time to complain. "The Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, do, in the name of the people aforesaid" (meaning the people of England then living) "most humbly and faithfully submit themselves, their heirs and posterities, for EVER." Burke cites this as evidence for why any talk of revolution is ridiculous, out of place, and irresponsible."

More papers on On Burke and Paine:

• Essay # 21857 : " The Philosophy of Edmund Burke"
• Analytical Essay # 28012 : "Rights of Man"
• Analytical Essay # 35728 : " "The First Book of Urizen"

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