Thomas Paine Common Sense Discussion Question:
1. According, to Paine, what is the difference between society and government?
Society is the wants of the people; it is considered what is good. Government on the other hand is the institution used to harbor the evil of the people. Society, is constructed around the togetherness of people in a positive manner. Government is used to restrain the people from their own vices in a negative manner. Therefore, government has its origins based on the evil of people, therefore it is a necessary evil. (Paine, 69)
2. What is the meaning of “liberty” and “equality” in Paine’s thought?
Liberty is described as being independent. When Paine mentions liberty, independence is synonymous with it. By a society …show more content…
What is the relationship between “liberty and equality”?
Liberty is the gaining of freedom, and equality is essential to it. Without equality, liberty for one person may be the denial of liberty for another person based on other circumstances. Without equality, it could be said that liberty is not truly liberty if one man gains it, and another is denied it. Liberty and equality is claimed to be the natural rights of man, and are fundamental to having a proper society and government. Throughout the reading it is insinuated that equality is a condition of liberty.
4. According to Paine, why is there a need for regulations and government in …show more content…
A continental form of government is needed to keep the peace of the overall continent (America) which will preserve it from getting involved in civil wars. Once America has separated from Britain, it must completely cut ties, being that no reconciliation can take place. By trying to have some sort of reconciliation, there may be ill intent from Britain to cause revolts and wars. Since England is its own county and has its own rules and government, America must also take the initiative and gain independence to have its own rules and government (Paine, 95-96).
9. For Paine, what is the relationship between law and liberty?
Liberty is the act of gaining freedom. Law is the regulations established by a society or community. When a society gains liberty and becomes independent, laws will be made in order to help regulate the society into a functional one. Without liberty there can be no law because one is dependent on the other. If liberty is not gained, then law cannot be created and distributed among the society (Paine, 94-95).
10. How does Paine answer the question, "Where is the king of
1. According, to Paine, what is the difference between society and government?
Society is the wants of the people; it is considered what is good. Government on the other hand is the institution used to harbor the evil of the people. Society, is constructed around the togetherness of people in a positive manner. Government is used to restrain the people from their own vices in a negative manner. Therefore, government has its origins based on the evil of people, therefore it is a necessary evil. (Paine, 69)
2. What is the meaning of “liberty” and “equality” in Paine’s thought?
Liberty is described as being independent. When Paine mentions liberty, independence is synonymous with it. By a society …show more content…
What is the relationship between “liberty and equality”?
Liberty is the gaining of freedom, and equality is essential to it. Without equality, liberty for one person may be the denial of liberty for another person based on other circumstances. Without equality, it could be said that liberty is not truly liberty if one man gains it, and another is denied it. Liberty and equality is claimed to be the natural rights of man, and are fundamental to having a proper society and government. Throughout the reading it is insinuated that equality is a condition of liberty.
4. According to Paine, why is there a need for regulations and government in …show more content…
A continental form of government is needed to keep the peace of the overall continent (America) which will preserve it from getting involved in civil wars. Once America has separated from Britain, it must completely cut ties, being that no reconciliation can take place. By trying to have some sort of reconciliation, there may be ill intent from Britain to cause revolts and wars. Since England is its own county and has its own rules and government, America must also take the initiative and gain independence to have its own rules and government (Paine, 95-96).
9. For Paine, what is the relationship between law and liberty?
Liberty is the act of gaining freedom. Law is the regulations established by a society or community. When a society gains liberty and becomes independent, laws will be made in order to help regulate the society into a functional one. Without liberty there can be no law because one is dependent on the other. If liberty is not gained, then law cannot be created and distributed among the society (Paine, 94-95).
10. How does Paine answer the question, "Where is the king of