On Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790). Writing after the revolution but before the terror, Burke was alarmed at intellectual fads in England that paid homage to the principles driving what happened in France: the right of people to choose their own government, to elect their leaders, and depose those that violate citizens' rights. So, given that these principles Continue Reading …
Ep. 151: Edmund Burke’s Conservatism (Citizen Edition)
On Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790). Writing after the revolution but before the terror, Burke was alarmed at intellectual fads in England that paid homage to the principles driving what happened in France: the right of people to choose their own government, to elect their leaders, and depose those that violate citizens' rights. So, given that these principles Continue Reading …
Philosophy of History Part VII: The Politics of Modernization
Reason obeys itself, and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it. –Thomas Paine Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle. –Edmund Burke Now that we’ve discussed the Revolution, let’s turn to the politics of the Enlightenment for a moment. Between them, Revolution and Enlightenment defined much European history and intellectual life Continue Reading …
Philosophy of History Part VI: The French Revolution
What is the Third Estate? Nothing. What does it want to be? Something. –Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès During the French Revolution (1789–1799) a new generation risked their lives to make the ideals of the Enlightenment a reality. They overthrew the Monarchy, established the first modern Republic, and proclaimed the universal rights of man. In the short run, their Revolution was a Continue Reading …