Edmund Burke's Argument Analysis
Elizabeth Caty Stanton, Edmund Burke, and Jeremy Bentham met today to have an important debate over human rights. Stanton gave her viewpoint on the issue, then we heard a conservative contradiction from Edmund Burke, and a utilitarian contradiction from Jeremy Bentham. In order to articulate this debate effectively, this article will begin with the summation of Elizabeth Canton’s argument, then move to Burke and Bentham.
Stanton asserts that men and women are created equal and have inalienable rights endowed to them by the creator and also through natural law. Stanton’s argument is supported by many individuals throughout the centuries. Lauren, academic on the subject of human rights, quoted 16th century philosophers proclaiming that all men …show more content…
Burke points to the French Revolution as one main example to support his arguments. It is difficult to overthrow a king or change the sitting government without force. Once force is involved it is no longer completely about the rights or the issues, but about war. So, one must be very particular when deciding whether to take action against the sitting government. Burke said, “The speculative line of demarcation, where obedience ought to end, and resistance must begin, is faint.” Meaning that this is a difficult decision to make, and not always a clear-cut decision. Revolution should be a last resort. Burke also asserts that citizens should not dispose of all government history, or through away the government of years past without just cause. The government is often the hard work and intelligence of previous generations. Use the experience the nation was built on to improve your nation. For example, Burke asserts that France had a good foundation. The constitution was suspended before perfected, and the French did not build up what was present but instead tore it down. Wisdom from past generations was being lost. Thus, Burke argues that instead of working to have a different government or overthrow government, one should work to use the wisdom present from past generations in the government structure to make changes that will make the state
Stanton asserts that men and women are created equal and have inalienable rights endowed to them by the creator and also through natural law. Stanton’s argument is supported by many individuals throughout the centuries. Lauren, academic on the subject of human rights, quoted 16th century philosophers proclaiming that all men …show more content…
Burke points to the French Revolution as one main example to support his arguments. It is difficult to overthrow a king or change the sitting government without force. Once force is involved it is no longer completely about the rights or the issues, but about war. So, one must be very particular when deciding whether to take action against the sitting government. Burke said, “The speculative line of demarcation, where obedience ought to end, and resistance must begin, is faint.” Meaning that this is a difficult decision to make, and not always a clear-cut decision. Revolution should be a last resort. Burke also asserts that citizens should not dispose of all government history, or through away the government of years past without just cause. The government is often the hard work and intelligence of previous generations. Use the experience the nation was built on to improve your nation. For example, Burke asserts that France had a good foundation. The constitution was suspended before perfected, and the French did not build up what was present but instead tore it down. Wisdom from past generations was being lost. Thus, Burke argues that instead of working to have a different government or overthrow government, one should work to use the wisdom present from past generations in the government structure to make changes that will make the state