Write paper about benjamin franklins pursuit of civic virtue

Assignment Help History

Reference no: EM131670051

Assignment: Benjamin Franklin Paper

Instructions

1. Read The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Dover Publications, 1996. 136 pp.

2. Consider the 18th century definitions of the following terms:

Civic virtue - The concept of an individual who is financially self-sufficient while avoiding luxury, follows the accepted code of morality, and is an unselfish public servant politician

Protestant work ethic - The concept of a citizen who works diligently for long hours, is thrifty and self-sufficient, supports himself and his family, builds up savings for the future, and feels this is a part of his service to God

Morality - Code of ethics that included honesty, both in personal life and in business dealings, no sexual misconduct, no gambling, avoiding bad company, moderation in alcohol, and church attendance

Public Citizen - One who puts the good of the community above his own good and served as a politician not for his own glory, but for the good of the state

3. Use the following title and outline when writing your paper.

Answer the questions after the bullet points.

Points will be deducted for failure to follow this outline.

Write 5-6 double spaced pages on a computer. Turn in a hard copy. Email the paper only if you are unable to attend class or there are other extenuating circumstances.

Title: Benjamin Franklin's Pursuit of Civic Virtue

Introduction: Briefly mention points to be made in the paper.

I. Franklin and the Protestant Work Ethic

• In the Autobiography Part One, how did Franklin follow the Protestant Work Ethic? In what ways did he disregard it? How did he learn from his mistakes?

• In Part Two and Part Three, did Franklin find financial success due to the Protestant Work Ethic? Describe his later business situation.

II. Franklin and Morality

• In Parts Two and Three, how did Franklin feel about religion? What in his religious attitudes and behavior would have been contrary to the norms of his day?

• How were his standards of morality in line with 18th century morality standards? How were they not?

III. Franklin as Public Servant

• Focusing on Part Three, describe the public services Franklin started, such as the fire company, the library, the street-cleaning service, the militia, etc. How did these things benefit the people of Franklin's city, Philadelphia, and his colony, Pennsylvania?

• From Part Three and Four, discuss the political offices Franklin held. Under what conditions would he take an office? How did the offices he took inconvenience him, but benefit others?

Conclusion

• Briefly summarize why you believe that Franklin was, or was not, a man of civic virtue.

Reference no: EM131670051

Questions Cloud

Write about something you dont normally share with people : Write about something you don't normally share with people, especially people you don't know very well - write about things you feel afraid to say out loud

Discuss attitude toward new products and new ideas : Do you consider yourself an early adopter when it comes to trying out new products or new fashions, or do you tend to take a wait-and-see attitude?

How long will it take Andre and Han to move all boxes : Andre and Han are moving boxes. Andre can move 4 boxes every half hour. Han move 5 boxes every half hour. How long will it take Andre & Han to move all 72 boxes

Common area of business mismanagement : Why is the accounting process a common area of business mismanagement, both legally and ethically?

Write paper about benjamin franklins pursuit of civic virtue : Write a Paper about Benjamin Franklin's Pursuit of Civic Virtue. How were his standards of morality in line with 18th century morality standards?

Review disney experience under standardized product strategy : Review the discussion of cultural differences in international business in. Which cultural differences do you think Disney had to consider when planning.

Files and manage the money : What is the main purpose of a book keeper? Is it to keep track of all the files and manage the money?

Alternative approaches to ethical reasoning : Can someone help me compare dominant and alternative approaches to ethical reasoning?

Trouble finding exact information : The question is about in sourcing and outsourcing. We are doing a powerpoint on Ford Motor Co. I am having trouble finding exact information.

User Account

All Pages