Public Insight Network

Has the common good ever helped, or hindered, you?

Each month NHPR's Socrates Exchange series explores a different philosophical question. This month we're looking at the dichotomy of individual rights and the common good. New Hampshire's motto says "live free or die" - but some argue there are times when everyone benefits by setting a policy, law or standard that everyone follows.

You can help shape our discussion. Have there been times where "the common good" - be it through government action or simply by groupthink - has affected you? Did it benefit you, or were you negatively affected? Where do you draw the line between individual rights and common good? Share your experience below.

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Describe an experience in which "the common good" affected you, positively or negatively. (Take as much space as you need.)

In your opinion, when (if ever) is the common good more important than individual rights?

Who would be an interesting person to ask about the debate over individual rights and the common good?

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