The Political Philosophy of Benjamin Franklin

The Political Philosophy of the American Founders

by Lorraine Smith Pangle

The most famous man of his age, Benjamin Franklin was an individual of many talents and accomplishments. He invented the wood-burning stove and the lightning rod, he wrote Poor Richard's Almanac and The Way to Wealth, and he traveled the world as a diplomat. But it was in politics that Franklin made his greatest impact. Franklin’s political writings are full of fascinating reflections on human nature, on the character of good leadership, and on why government is such a messy and problematic business. Drawing together threads in Franklin's writings, Lorraine Smith Pangle illuminates his thoughts on citizenship, federalism, constitutional government, the role of civil associations, and religious freedom. Of the American Founders, Franklin had an unrivaled understanding of the individual human soul. At the heart of his political vision is a view of democratic citizenship, a rich understanding of the qualities of the heart and mind necessary to support liberty and sustain happiness. This concise introduction reflects Franklin's valuable insight into political issues that continue to be relevant today.

296 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2007

Reviews

[Tarek Zaher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorraine Pangle, writing about a most charming and profound influencer of modern politics and culture, has struck the perfect tone and style in her book on his political philosophy which endears him to the highest degree while also refusing to let him off any philosophical or practical hook. Her grasp of the contextual happenings which demanded and inspired Franklin's shifting philosophy is clear, concise, and convincing. For instance, her description of Franklin's deteriorating allegiance to Britain and emphasis or lack thereof of the objectivity of natural rights in Franklin's own writings is paralleled throughout with brief yet extremely helpful overviews of the key points of history leading up to the American Revolution and ultimately Franklin's shift in opinion. More importantly, however, is her Socratic skill at philosophical probing. This, to me, is Pangle's greatest contribution. Her ability to ask the most thoughtful, penetrating questions at precisely the right time are what makes the descriptions of Franklin's answers so complete. And her refusal to let the scope and profundity of her questions be diluted by the daunting task of extracting answers from a lifetime of writing is both admirable and inspiring. Overall, Franklin's life was very interesting and full of practical wisdom and this book reflects that in it's easiness to read and distillation of Franklin's ideas and actions. It also transcends a simple reflection of his life, and, placing him among the greatest thinkers of human history, gives voice to others among his rank and asks the reader to contend with their irreconcilable differences but also their beautiful similarities. In this way it carries on the project of inquiry and search for happiness that Franklin himself embarked upon all those years ago.