Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin exemplified the deistic concept of moral perfection by prioritizing personal virtue over church doctrines and establishing a program of thirteen virtues for individual development and societal betterment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The important concept from deism that Benjamin Franklin exemplifies in his program for moral perfection is the idea that personal morality and an individual's moral compass—leading to good works and actions—are more important than strict adherence to church doctrines. Benjamin Franklin, a proponent of deism, believed in the significance of personal virtue and moral self-improvement. In his lifelong attempts to achieve moral perfection, he outlined thirteen virtues to guide individuals towards developing exemplary character traits. These virtues not only defined notions of republican virtue but also reflected the Enlightenment ideals that hard work and good character could lead to success, embodying the deistic view that the creation of a virtuous republic depended upon the moral conduct of its citizens.
Franklin's commitment to these virtues underscored his belief in the capability of human beings to better themselves through rational and ethical behavior, which is a hallmark of deistic thought. His contributions to society, including the founding of institutions such as the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Hospital, were motivated by his deistic belief in improving the human condition through knowledge, inquiry, and philanthropy.