What ideas from the Enlightenment did Thomas Jefferson use in the Declaration of Independence?
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Log in through your institution journal article The Enlightenment in American Law I: The Declaration of IndependenceThe Review of Metaphysics Vol. 44, No. 3 (Mar., 1991) , pp. 549-573 (25 pages) Published By: Philosophy Education Society Inc. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20129058 Read and download Log in through your school or library Alternate access options For independent researchers Read Online Read 100 articles/month free Subscribe to JPASS Unlimited reading + 10 downloads Journal Information The Review of Metaphysics is devoted to the promotion of technically competent, definitive contributions to philosophical knowledge. Not associated with any school or group, not the organ of any association or institution, it is interested in persistent, resolute inquiries into root questions, regardless of the writer's affiliations. Published for more than fifty years, the Review of Metaphysics has established itself as an essential resource for the profession both in the major research libraries of the world and in the private libraries of professors, scholars, and students of philosophy. Among the top English-language journals in circulation, and boasting one of the largest foreign circulations, the Review offers its reader an overview of contemporary philosophy and a standpoint from which to assess its developing currents. Publisher Information The Philosophy Education Society of America, a 501 (c)(3) charity organization, is the publisher of the Review of Metaphysics. The Society's raison d'etre is to promote definitive contributions to philosophical knowledge, and it does so primarily through the ongoing publication of the Review. The Society sponsors the Review's annual dissertation essay contest and provides the $500 prize. Rights & Usage This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
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The Declaration of Independence reflects a great extent the values of Enlightenment. The Declaration of Independence is a formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson asserting freedom from Great Britain. The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe. The Enlightenment brought ideas of scientific reasoning over religious reasoning which propelled a huge transition in American views. The movement stimulated religious tolerance and democratic revolutions around the world. Most of the Enlightenment ideas reflected in the Declaration of Independence are from John Locke’s point of thinking. Locke believed that human nature allowed people to be selfish and are born a blank slate (Jayne). All people are equal in a natural state and independent, besides everyone has a natural right to defend “life, liberty, health, or possessions.” Most of Locke’s ideas on enlightenment are fundamentals of government. He states that men are by nature free and equal against claims that God has made all people naturally subject to a monarch. According to Locke, people consent to the government for the protection of their natural rights. From the Declaration, a strong point is based on the idea presented before… stated by Thomas Jefferson, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Another key idea of the Enlightenment is the reason as demonstrated by the separation of scientific reasoning over religious reasoning; divine force makes human’s human and destroys intolerance (Jayne). Also, “happiness is achieved if you live by nature’s laws- you don’t have to wait for heaven.” In the Declaration, this statement is based on the reasoning idea of enlightenment- “In the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands that have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires to declare the causes that impel separation.” The Social Contract was written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and according to him it is between the government and the people, although the ideas are based on three enlightenment thinkers – Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Rousseau. The Social Contract has also been reflected in the Declaration of Independence. This is the idea where people get together and agree to give up some of their freedoms so the government can protect their truly important freedoms. Rousseau asserts an idea of popular sovereignty in the Social Contract which also appears in the Declaration of Independence by stating constitutional governments are such “that to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving just Powers from the Consent of the Governed.” Popular Sovereignty is the belief that the authority and legitimacy of government are created by the will or consent of its people. Most importantly the people are the source of all political power (Jayne). “It is the right of the people to alter or abolish and to institute new Government,” is a prime example of an idea of the social contract presented in the Declaration of Independence. Enlightenment ideas had a major impact and influence on the thoughts of the Declaration of Independence. Multiple strong ideas are present throughout the Declaration connected to concepts related to enlightenment ideas. Thomas Jefferson based his thoughts on the visions of John Locke and enlightenment thinkers to compose this document of independence. Works CitedJayne, Allen. Jefferson’s Declaration of independence: origins, philosophy, and theology. University Press of Kentucky, 2014. Did you like this example? The deadline is too short to read someone else's essayHire a verified expert to write you a 100% Plagiarism-Free paper WRITE MY PAPER Don't let plagiarism ruin your gradeMake sure your essay is plagiarism-free or hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs. 85.7%Plagiarized TextLeave your email and we will send a sample to you.Not Finding What You Need?Search for essay samples nowHaving doubts about how to write your paper correctly?Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+! GET QUALIFIED HELP Perfect!Please check your inbox. I NEED PLAGIARISM-FREE ESSAY Where do you want usto send this sample?Attention! This is just a sample.You can order an original essay written according to your instructions. yes get a UNIQUE paper no, download public sample Hi! I'm Amy, Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert. get professional help What ideas did Thomas Jefferson include from the Enlightenment in the Declaration of Independence?In the Declaration, Jefferson made references to the beliefs of the Enlightenment philosopher John Locke. In perhaps the most famous line of the Declaration, Jefferson stated protection of natural rights "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".
What enlightenment was used in the Declaration of Independence?Enlightenment philosophy stressed that liberty and equality were natural human rights.
What were Jefferson's Enlightenment ideas?He advocated the freedom of speech, religion, communication, press, trade, thought, and personal freedom (Blau 49). While these freedoms are found today in the Constitution's Bill of Rights, Jefferson believed they should be implemented long before Congress ever ratified the Bill.
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