Lesson 2
What ideas about civic life informed the founding generation?
People frequently make judgments about governments or acts of governments, praising them as "good" or criticizing them as "bad." Those judgments may reflect ideas about human nature, the proper function and scope of government, the rights of individuals, and other values. Political philosophers have discussed these matters for thousands of years. This lesson examines concepts such as the common good, civic virtue, the state of nature, natural rights, consent, and the social contract. These concepts are central to discussions about government.Section 1
How did Greek and Roman thought influence at least some of the Founders?- Discussion and research questions
Section 2
What values from the natural rights philosophy influenced the Founding generation?- Discussion and research questions
Section 3
Which of the two philosophies studied by the Founders, classical republicanism or the natural rights philosophy has been most influential on American political thought?- Discussion and research questions