Title of Research: Thomas Paine's Political Philosophy (A Study of its Moral Foundations)

Abstract

This research examines the political philosophy of Thomas Paine by uncovering the ethical foundations that underpin his vision of humanity, society, and the state. Paine’s philosophy represents an endeavor to ground political practice in the principles of reason, liberty, and natural rights. Proceeding from the premise that human beings possess inherent rights that precede the existence of political authority, Paine contends that the proper function of government is not to grant these rights, but rather to protect and safeguard them. Consequently, he establishes a distinction between society and government: society is a natural necessity rooted in mutual cooperation and common interest, whereas government arises as a response to society's need for organizing its affairs and protecting its members, and must therefore remain strictly bounded by its intended purposes and functions.
          Furthermore, this study highlights the moral dimension in Paine’s political philosophy, demonstrated by his affirmation of liberty as the bedrock of human dignity and responsibility, alongside his alignment of political justice with respect for natural rights and individual equality. His conception of legitimate governance is grounded in the general will and popular consent, leading him to reject tyranny and hereditary privilege while advocating for a republican system founded on representation and accountability. Morality also permeates his political vision through his conception of social justice, notably in his call to assist underprivileged groups and foster a degree of social solidarity within the community.
This study centers on a specific question: What are the ethical foundations upon which Paine built his political philosophy? How do the concepts of natural right, reason, and natural religion intertwine to shape his vision of just governance and an equitable society? The study argues that Paine’s political philosophy cannot be understood in isolation from its profound ethical structure, which rests on three fundamental pillars—innate natural rights, Enlightenment rationalism, and Deism—acting as an ethical theology that serves as an alternative to institutional religions. We will analyze these pillars by directly examining Paine’s original texts.