Paper Example on Declaration of Independence

Introduction

The Declaration of Independence is a reflection of a large extent the Enlightenment values. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, a formal declaration claiming freedom from Great Britain. The Enlightenment was a philosophical and intellectual movement that dominated Europe's world of ideas. The Enlightenment promoted scientific reasoning over religious reasoning, which led to a significant shift in American views. This movement sparked religious tolerance and democratic revolutions all over the globe. John Locke was the one who conceived most of the Enlightenment ideas that are reflected in the Declaration of Independence. Locke believed that humans were born as a blank slate because they could be selfish. All people are equal in a natural and independent state, and everyone has the natural right to "life, liberty or health or possessions." Many of Locke’s ideas about enlightenment concern fundamentals of government. Locke states that men are free and equal by nature, contrary to claims that God made all people subject to a monarch.

Locke states that people will consent to government protection of their natural rights. The Declaration makes a strong point based on Thomas Jefferson's idea that "all men are created equal", that scientific reasoning is superior to religious reasoning, and that divine force makes humans human and ends intolerance (Jayne). "Happiness can be achieved if one lives by the laws of nature-you don't need to wait for Heaven." The Declaration also states that "in the course of human events it becomes necessary that one person dissolve the political bands which have connected them to another and to assume amongst the powers of earth the separate and equal station to Which the Laws of Nature entitle them, a decent regard for the opinions of humanity requires that they declare the causes of separation."

Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote the Social Contract. He said it was between the government, the people. However, the ideas were based on three enlightenment thinkers - Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. The Declaration of Independence also reflects the Social Contract. This is where people come together and agree to sacrifice some of their rights so that the government can preserve their most important freedoms. Rousseau, who also asserts a concept of popular sovereignty in The Social Contract, states that constitutional governments are established among Men to secure these rights. Popular Sovereignty refers to the belief or belief that authority and legitimacy of government can be created through the will or consent of its citizens. The people are, above all else, the source of all power (Jayne). The Declaration of Independence presents a prime example of a concept of the social contract: "It is the rights of the people to alter, abolish, and to establish new Government." The Declaration of Independence was influenced and influenced by Enlightenment ideas. The Declaration contains strong ideas that are connected to concepts related enlightenment ideas. Thomas Jefferson's thoughts were influenced by John Locke's visions and other enlightenment thinkers in order to create this document of independence.

Works Cited

Jayne, Allen. Jefferson’s Declaration of independence: origins, philosophy, and theology. University Press of Kentucky, 2014.