The Ethical Revolution: Civics and Virtue in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

by Frank Casale, Ph.D.

Overview

Setting the Stage: Questions to Think About:
What is "virtue"? What are "virtues"?
What are the virtues that Franklin emphasizes in his Autobiography?
According to Franklin, what does it mean to be a virtuous person?
How are the virtues outlined in Franklin's Autobiography republican in nature (i.e., supportive of a government based on the rule of law rather than rule by monarchy or dictatorship)?
What are the most desirable virtues? Why are they desirable?
What virtues promote the development of good citizenship?
Why is the pursuit of excellence desirable in a society?
Why is cooperation considered necessary for a society-particularly a democracy-to function effectively?

Introduction: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a classic of both American Literature and American History, and is widely taught in U.S. high schools and colleges. In the text, Franklin describes growing up in Colonial America, an experience which mirrors the growth of the colonial environment around him. Franklin highlights the formation of his character, focusing on his education and his acquisition of various virtues. In this module, students will discover the ethical and civic components of Franklin's Autobiography, and learn about the culture of Republicanism which fed the revolutionary period.