Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence
An Introduction to Jefferson’s Philosophy of Revolution
Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence
An Introduction to Jefferson’s Philosophy of Revolution
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Description
An introduction to the philosophy of revolution that Thomas Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, tracing key ideas to John Locke and other influences.
Even in Thomas Jefferson's lifetime comparisons were being drawn between the Declaration of Independence and John Locke's Second Treatise of Government. Notwithstanding the unmistakable similarities between the assertions found in the Declaration and the philosophy of Locke, some scholars have depreciated the connection. This book is the first line-by-line analysis of the philosophical grounds for revolution found in the Declaration of Independence, seeking to determine the precise meaning and likely provenance of each one. The book's examination of 14 discrete claims within the Declaration, along with a deleted 15th paragraph condemning the slave trade, demonstrates that the Declaration is heavily indebted to the Second Treatise but also contains meaningful departures. This one volume provides a basic but in-depth mastery of Jefferson's philosophy as he drafted the most important expression of America's political creed.
Table of Contents
1. Self-Evident Truths
2. Created Equal
3. Rights are Endowed by the Creator
4. The Unalienable Rights to Life and Liberty
5. The Pursuit of Happiness
6. Governments are Instituted to Secure Rights
7. Governments Derive their Just Powers from Consent
8. The Right of the People to Alter or Abolish Government
9. The Right to Institute New Government
10. Government's Purpose of Safety and Happiness
11. Light and Transient Causes
12. Suffering while Evils are Sufferable
13. A Long Train of Abuses
14. The Right and Duty to Throw off Bad Government
15. Waging Cruel War Against Human Nature: The Missing Paragraph and the Legacy of America's Declaration
Glossary
Appendix
Product details
| Published | Aug 20 2026 |
|---|---|
| Format | Paperback |
| Edition | 1st |
| Pages | 256 |
| ISBN | 9798216469957 |
| Imprint | Bloomsbury Academic |
| Dimensions | 229 x 152 mm |
| Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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