The Rights of Man

According to Thomas Paine, what is the significance of the American Revolution and its relationship with the French Revolution? Do you agree with Paine’s assessment of these revolutionary movements? Why or why not?

Explore the influence of the Enlightenment in Paine’s thought. What role does “reason” play in his conceptions of government? How do his ideas embody, expand, and/or undermine key Enlightenment ideas?

How does Paine represent tyranny? How does it function politically, economically, socially, and/or internationally?

Compare Paine’s Rights of Man to Burke’s Reflections. Do you believe Paine has successfully refuted Burke’s views? Which rebuttals could you offer, if you were in Burke’s position?

What does Paine regard as a proper constitution? What, in your own view, are the features of a “good” constitution? Can a democracy function without one? Why or why not?

Paine writes at length about corruption. What forms of corruption exist, according to Paine? How does he wish to remedy corrupt systems? What strengths and limitations, if any, can you identify in his assessment?

Analyze Paine’s discussion of warfare. How does the role of warfare in hereditary governments in the 18th century compare to warfare waged by democratic governments in the modern era? Are Paine’s critiques still relevant today? Why or why not?

When Rights of Man was published, the British government took little notice of Part 1 but actively tried to suppress Part 2. Why do you think Part 2 posed a greater threat to the existing British government than did Part 1?