Historian A: Robert Darnton – The Revolutionary Justice Perspective

"Robert Darnton argues that the guillotine symbolised the revolutionary ideals of equality and justice. He emphasizes that it was a tool intended to deliver swift, humane justice, replacing the brutality of previous methods. Darnton suggests that the use of the guillotine was rooted in Enlightenment principles, and its widespread adoption reflected the revolutionaries' desire to establish a new moral order based on fairness and rationality. He views it as a symbol of revolutionary progress, despite its association with violence."

Historian B: Simon Schama – The Political Violence Perspective

"Simon Schama contends that the guillotine was primarily a tool of political terror and a symbol of revolutionary ruthlessness. He highlights its role in instilling fear and consolidating power among the revolutionaries. Schama emphasizes that the guillotine was used indiscriminately against enemies of the revolution, often without fair trials. He views it as emblematic of the brutality and chaos of the Terror, reflecting the darker side of revolutionary violence and the loss of moral compass."