Socratic Dialogue
Write a dramatic dialogue between two or more characters which demonstrates, explores, highlights or questions the themes and concerns of one of thinkers on the course (apart from Socrates, Plato and Aristotle). Follow the Socratic dialogue form of presentation used by Plato.
Edmund Burke
1790’s England, a conservative thinker (Henry) meets a pro-enlightenment thinker (Jean-Pierre)that is extremely supportive of the recent revolution in France. The conservative thinker has recently read Edmund Burkes text ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’ and in very much in concurrence with it as well as Burke’s principles in general. Edmund Burke’s philosophy is largely a negative response to the French Revolution and disputes almost everything …show more content…
Liberty of religion and self-governance! Do you not agree that a uniform religion ties a country together? And that the tyranny against which the French people revolted could be so much worse in a democracy? Tyranny of the majority could cause many more problems and would not be as easy to overthrow!’
Jean-Pierre: ‘But this is where human reason and rationality plays a role, it could be argued that the responsibility would be handled correctly ‘ Henry: ‘But after our discussion about human nature is it wise to trust that this will work? Do you not see the need for a strong government to maintain authority over society? That society should be based on law and order?’
Jean-Pierre: ‘But if there is equality in society, and each person has the opportunity to be involved in their governance, then it could be argued that no one person will desire excessive power or to be a tyrant?’
Henry: ‘Do you not agree with the writings of Edmund Burke, his famous definition of society as a contract between ‘the living, the dead and those who are yet to be born’? That the residue of the past is highly significant is shaping the present? Can you not understand that what is preserved may be what is best for society?’
Jean-Pierre: ‘Well I see your point, but can you not understand that society changes and evolves? That sometimes change is
Edmund Burke
1790’s England, a conservative thinker (Henry) meets a pro-enlightenment thinker (Jean-Pierre)that is extremely supportive of the recent revolution in France. The conservative thinker has recently read Edmund Burkes text ‘Reflections on the Revolution in France’ and in very much in concurrence with it as well as Burke’s principles in general. Edmund Burke’s philosophy is largely a negative response to the French Revolution and disputes almost everything …show more content…
Liberty of religion and self-governance! Do you not agree that a uniform religion ties a country together? And that the tyranny against which the French people revolted could be so much worse in a democracy? Tyranny of the majority could cause many more problems and would not be as easy to overthrow!’
Jean-Pierre: ‘But this is where human reason and rationality plays a role, it could be argued that the responsibility would be handled correctly ‘ Henry: ‘But after our discussion about human nature is it wise to trust that this will work? Do you not see the need for a strong government to maintain authority over society? That society should be based on law and order?’
Jean-Pierre: ‘But if there is equality in society, and each person has the opportunity to be involved in their governance, then it could be argued that no one person will desire excessive power or to be a tyrant?’
Henry: ‘Do you not agree with the writings of Edmund Burke, his famous definition of society as a contract between ‘the living, the dead and those who are yet to be born’? That the residue of the past is highly significant is shaping the present? Can you not understand that what is preserved may be what is best for society?’
Jean-Pierre: ‘Well I see your point, but can you not understand that society changes and evolves? That sometimes change is