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Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography and the Education of America

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  • Forde, Steven

Abstract

Franklin's Autobiography was written in part to provide a model for the emerging democratic individual and democratic culture of America. Franklin's teaching in the work has been subject to severe criticisms from the beginning, though it has had many defenders, too. Neither friend nor foe, however, has taken a sustained look at the Autobiography itself to explore its teaching in detail. I look at Franklin's presentation of the relationship of wealth and virtue, his utilitarianism, and his vision of democratic society and find a subtle and robust ideal deftly calculated to educate and elevate American culture.

Suggested Citation

  • Forde, Steven, 1992. "Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography and the Education of America," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 86(2), pages 357-368, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:86:y:1992:i:02:p:357-368_08
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    Cited by:

    1. Duan, Zhang, 2020. "Benjamin Franklin’s Religious Views Manifested In His Autobiography," Cultural Communication and Socialization Journal (CCSJ), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 1(2), pages 21-24, August.

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