JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Civic We of Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography.

  • Published In: Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 2025, v. 166, n. 1. P. 59 1 of 3

  • Database: America: History and Life with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Chaplin, Joyce E. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article explores the multifaceted identity of Benjamin Franklin as presented in his autobiography, emphasizing the tension between his singular self and the collaborative "we" he embodies. It discusses Franklin's use of numerous pseudonyms throughout his life, which allowed him to express diverse perspectives and critique societal norms, including gender double standards and colonial policies. The narrative of his autobiography, while incomplete, reflects his belief in character and social improvement, highlighting his contributions to civic organizations and the complexities of his legacy, including his transition from enslaver to abolitionist. Ultimately, the article suggests that Franklin's memoirs serve as a lens through which readers can examine their own aspirations for personal and collective betterment. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society. 2025/03, Vol. 166, Issue 1, p59
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Biography
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0003-049X
  • DOI:10.1353/pro.2025.a963673
  • Accession Number:186169820
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society is the property of University of Pennsylvania Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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