Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence by Lynn Uzzell

Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence by Lynn Uzzell

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.

Lynn Uzzell is associate professor of political science at Bethel University, USA. She has published numerous articles and book chapters on the political thought of the American Founders, Locke's philosophy, and the records of the Constitutional Convention.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9798216448556
Title	Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence
Author	Lynn Uzzell
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Year published	2026-08-20
Number of pages	256
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.