Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence (Paperback)

Paperback. 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 Jeffersons 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 books 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 Jeffersons philosophy as he drafted the most important expression of Americas political creed. 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. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…