Contribution To Free Speech Theory
Burgh's major contribution to free speech theory is his Political Disquisitions. Many of his other writings contributed in other areas such as educational and reform movements, but Political Disquisitions was widely recognized as required reading. Thomas Jefferson included the work with other writings in a course of recommended reading for James Madison and James Monroe. In 1803, while Jefferson was president of the United States, he urged the work on Congress. The book was popular among American colonists and became a source of inspiration for American Revolutionaries. Many critics claim his work is nothing more than a collection of other writer's ideas and propositions. While Burgh does draw extensively from outside theorists and authors, his ideas on Parliamentary reform, free speech, and equal opportunity are novel.
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