Co-organised by the Sussex Centres for Intellectual History, Social and Political Thought, and American Studies; the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies; and Thomas Paine: Legacy (based at Bull House, Lewes), the conference will explore Paine’s arguments in Common Sense, their impact during the Age of Revolutions, and their complex legacies in democratic thought and practice today.

We welcome proposals on a wide range of themes, including transatlantic radicalism, democratic rhetoric, print culture, reception histories, and contemporary relevance. Confirmed keynote speakers include Professor Gregory Claeys (Royal Holloway) and Professor Danielle Allen (Harvard).