Primary Source Documents: Benjamin Franklin and Virtue

Key Objectives

• Analyze Benjamin Franklin's method for developing and practicing virtues.
• Close-read primary sources to summarize the main ideas.

Essential Vocabulary

• Precept: A rule intended to regulate behavior or thought.
• Conceived: To form or devise an idea in the mind.
• Arduous: Requiring strenuous effort.
• Inclination: A natural tendency to act or feel in a certain way.
• Rectitude: Morally correct behavior.
• Enumerations: Listing things one by one.
• Annexed: Added as a subordinate part.
• Eradicate: To completely destroy.
• Endeavour: To try hard to achieve something.

Context

• Benjamin Franklin, born in Boston in 1706, grew up in a Puritan society.
• Initially rebellious against authority, he later sought self-improvement.
• Moved to Philadelphia, started a printer's shop and civic initiatives.
• Created civic institutions: libraries, fire departments, educational academies.
• Entered politics: Continental Congress, diplomat, delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

Franklin's Method for Virtue

• Conceived a project for moral perfection: avoid faults, conquer inclinations.
• Realized the challenge was greater than expected.
• Developed a method focusing on one virtue at a time for habituation.
• Used 13 virtues, each with a precept:
  • Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
  • Silence: Speak only if beneficial.
  • Order: Let everything have its place.
  • Resolution: Resolve to perform duties without fail.
  • Frugality: Waste nothing.
  • Industry: Always engage in something useful.
  • Sincerity: Avoid deceit; think justly.
  • Justice: Do no harm; fulfill duties.
  • Moderation: Avoid extremes.
  • Cleanliness: Maintain cleanliness in body and surroundings.
  • Tranquility: Do not be disturbed by trifles.
  • Chastity: Use venery minimally and responsibly.
  • Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Franklin's Strategy

• Focused on one virtue weekly, marking faults daily.
• Aimed to clear faults successively over 13 weeks.
• Found improvement through the endeavor, despite not achieving perfection.

Analysis Questions

• How does Franklin define and refine virtue?
• How did he incorporate virtues into his life?
• Does he believe moral perfection is achievable?
• What value did he find in his project?
• How can Franklin's strategies be applied to personal development?

Additional Resources

• Dred Scott v. Sandford case analysis.
• Historical context and implications of Supreme Court decisions.

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• Bill of Rights Institute
• Arlington, VA
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• (703) 894-1776

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