Thomas Paine Versus Edmund Burke, Part 1
Smith discusses some background of the debate between Paine and Burke, and the furor created by Paine’s Rights of Man.
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Smith discusses some background of the debate between Paine and Burke, and the furor created by Paine’s Rights of Man.
In 1792, Thomas Paine was tried for seditious libel. In this essay, George H. Smith discusses the prosecution's case.
Smith discusses Thomas Erskine’s ideas on libel laws and freedom of the press, and how he incorporated those ideas during his defense of Thomas Paine.
Smith discusses Thomas Paine’s theory of rights.
Smith continues his discussion of Thomas Paine’s theory of rights and government.
How the libertarian ideas of Richard Price motivated Burke to write Reflections on the Revolution in France, and how Paine dealt with the controversy.
Smith explains Paine’s constitutional theory and why he believed that Britain had no constitution.
Smith explains Burke’s argument against majority rule and a constitution based on the consent of the governed.
Smith explains some of Paine’s ideas about the nature of a republic and the benefits of a representative form of government.
Smith explains Paine’s views on paper money, price controls, self-interest, and exploitative governments.
Smith discusses Paine’s welfare proposals in Rights of Man and Agrarian Justice.