Thomas Jefferson and Philosophy
By: Reyna Shellhart
Thomas Jefferson made major contributions as a
politician, statesman, diplomat, intellectual, writer, scientist, and
philosopher. No other figure among the Founding Fathers shared the depth and
breadth of his wide-ranging intelligence. In fact, his presidential vision
impressively combined philosophic principles with pragmatic effectiveness as a
politician. Jefferson's most fundamental political belief was an "absolute
acquiescence in the decisions of the majority." Stemming from his deep
optimism in human reason, Jefferson believed that the will of the people
expressed through elections, provided the most appropriate guidance for
directing the republic's course.
Jefferson was a shy man,
however his pen proved to be an immense weapon. In 1774, Jefferson wrote a pamphlet
entitled "A Summary View of the Rights of British America," that
articulated the colonial position for independence and foreshadowed many of the
ideas in the Declaration of Independence. The pamphlet proved to be one of his
most famous works. By 1774, Jefferson was actively involved in organizing
opposition to British rule. In 1776, Jefferson was appointed to the Second
Continental Congress. Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of
Independence for being a renowned Virginia representative and a powerful writer.
This document is a brilliant proclamation of fundamental human rights and also
serves as America's most succinct statement of its philosophy of government.
Jefferson was
the spokesman of liberty and a racist slave owner, the champion of the common
people and a man with luxurious and aristocratic tastes, a believer in limited
government and a president who expanded governmental authority beyond the
wildest visions of his ancestors, a quiet man who abhorred politics and the
most dominant political figure of his generation. The tensions between
Jefferson's principles and practices make him all the more suitable to be a
symbol for the nation he helped create, a nation whose shining ideals have
always been complicated by a complex history.
Link to Installment #1- http://www.cophilosophy.blogspot.com/2015/11/thomas-jefferson-8.html
Link to Installment #2- http://www.cophilosophy.blogspot.com/2015/12/thomas-jefferson-installment-2-8.html
Sources- http://millercenter.org/president/biography/jefferson-life-in-brief
Indeed, a man of contradictions. Well, a man. I love what JFK said that time about a gathering of Nobelists at the White House being the most impressive concentration of intellect there ever, "except possibly for the time Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
ReplyDeleteAgain, I highly recommend Jon Meacham's "The Art of Power".