How Jefferson Used Natural Law To Establish The American Philosophic Tradition
Start writing a post
Student Life

How Jefferson Used Natural Law To Establish The American Philosophic Tradition

Thomas uses Natural Law to Justify the American Revolution.

17
How Jefferson Used Natural Law To Establish The American Philosophic Tradition
Biography

The founding of the Unites States is fundamentally rooted a deep philosophic tradition that is heavily influenced by the Greek philosophy (Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle), Revelation (or the religious tradition) and Natural Law. Natural Law or the Law of Nature is key to understanding the writings of the founders, particularly the Declaration of Independence which serves as the basis by which the rest of the revolution was rooted. In the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson was charged with justifying a full out rebellion against the King of England meaning he needed to delegitimize his authority over the colonies. In order to do so Jefferson called upon the collective philosophic tradition of natural law in order to undermine the king’s claim to his own thrown.

Natural Law is he concept that human beings are able to discover a moral code that is fundamental to the nature of the universe through the utility of their own reason. Natural Law is a moral law that is codified into the very nature of things themselves and is something that humans can translate with our own independent thought. Jefferson used this as a justification for rebellion against the king in order to legitimize their separation from England and establish a new independent political order based on popular sovereignty and the idea that “all men are created equal” setting the American Revolution apart from all other revolutions that proceeded it.

In order to do this Jefferson made the important distinction between natural law and religious law. Religious law is handed down from on high, meaning it is heaven sent, yet natural law is discovered by human reason meaning that humans are the enactors of the law, not the Church. This is important because religious law was long used to legitimize the rule of kings and queens, yet Jefferson and many other enlightenment thinkers discovered they could circumvent religious law through Natural Law and delegitimize the rule of abusive monarchs. They could use reason to create a moral code that proved the king to be unjust, instead of relying solely on the authority of God or his arbiter the church to determine who should rule. This was, in many ways, revolutionary. Individuals now could choose their rulers based on merit instead of arbitrary divine right. The precedent of natural law was fundamental to the establishment of the United States and continues to play a key role in the political discourse of today. Going forward it is important to keep in mind the long held philosophic traditions that continues to influence the way that we think about the world today so that we can firmly establish a better world for tomorrow.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

18450
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

946903
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123498
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments