Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin's qualities have earned him both praise and condemnation. He believed in hard work and good behavior leading to success, but often ignored structural factors and inequalities. His values align with the notion of republican virtue by emphasizing individual responsibility and self-improvement for the betterment of society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benjamin Franklin's qualities have earned him both praise and condemnation. One quality that earned him praise is his belief in hard work and good behavior, which he believed would lead to success. This was evident in his thirteen virtues, which included qualities like industry, frugality, and temperance. However, Franklin's focus on individual responsibility and self-improvement often ignored the structural factors and inequalities that prevented equal opportunities for all individuals.
In addressing a situation where children inherit great wealth rather than working for it, Franklin would likely emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and the need to use wealth wisely. He might suggest that inherited wealth should be used for the betterment of society and that individuals should continue to work hard and contribute positively to their communities, regardless of their financial background.
Franklin's values help to define the notion of republican virtue by emphasizing the importance of individual virtue and moral character in maintaining a successful and prosperous society. He believed that a citizen's virtues, such as industry, honesty, and frugality, were essential for the well-being of the republic. Franklin's emphasis on individual responsibility and self-improvement aligns with the ideals of a republican society, where citizens actively participate in the betterment of their community.