Common Sense, Thomas Paine

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Common sense, by Thomas Paine Thomas Paine wrote this pamphlet as a response for America’s situation in that precise moment. He argued that the colonies should seek full independence from Britain, since America has evolved over the years and no longer needs Britain’s help. Through harsh arguments he states that Britain has only watched over America in order to secure its own economic well-being. His text convinced many who were unsure of the purpose of war and it played an important role in influencing the opinion of people. This text was crucial in turning America’s opinion against Britain and was one of the key factors in the colonies decision to engage in battle for their complete independence. While reading the text many you can perceive his determination in making people change their mind. He gives strong arguments and examples to make its text more appealing to his audience, passing by examples from the Bible to simplify his arguments in the second part of the text by likening them to familiar concepts, such as comparing America to a baby that flourishes. For my discussion I selected three questions: - How does Paine distinguishes between government and society, and do you think his opinion would change if he would live in the present? - How is Paine’s perspective of government linked to his arguments for the separation of Britain? - In which way Thomas Paine arguments his reasons for America’s Independence? I mainly choose the questions because I think he gives a lot of importance to the topic government/society and I was thinking about his opinion of the present governments, and it will be a good topic to discuss with my colleagues. He accuses government then, so maybe he would criticise it now or not. My second question is more theoretical, and it could be answered just by reading the text. And my third question, its
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