English Revolution & the Individual in Society
Question: In many ways the changes in England's government reflected a larger change in attitudes among educated people in Europe toward individualism. Ideas about limiting governmental power in favor of freedom from suppression and oppression were petitioned for. Many argued for representation in forming of laws and policies. In addition, people went from believing that the purpose of their lives was to serve the church and king without question to believing that they could and should make decisions for themselves.
Today, many people say we have very individualistic society where people do what they want. What do you think? To what extent do you think the individual should be free to make his/her own decision? To what extent are you the engineer of your own life and future? Under what circumstances would you/might you place the common good above your own wishes, desire and success?