Which philosopher provided the philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

The United States Declaration of Independence was influenced by the 1581 Dutch Republic declaration of independence, called the Oath of Abjuration. The Kingdom of Scotland's 1320 Declaration of Arbroath was undoubtedly also an influence as the first known formal declaration of independence. Jefferson drew on the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which had been adopted in June 1776.

The Preamble of the Declaration is influenced by the spirit of republicanism, which was used as the basic framework for liberty. In addition, it reflects Enlightenment philosophy, including the concepts of natural law, self-determination, and Deism. Ideas and even some of the phrasing was taken directly from the writings of English philosopher John Locke, particularly his Second Treatise on Government, titled "Essay Concerning the true original, extent, and end of Civil Government." In this treatise, Locke espoused the idea of government by consent. Locke wrote that human beings had certain natural rights. Other influences included the Discourses of Algernon Sydney, and the writings of Wawrzyniec Grzymala Goslicki and Thomas Paine. According to Jefferson, the purpose of the Declaration was "not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of . . . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take."

Answer 2

John Locke

Answer 3

John Locke was the philosopher...

and
Thomas Paine (not philosopher)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_paine
Doh

Answer 4

It was primarily from John Locke and Montesquieu.

Answer 5

John Locke: life, liberty, & the pursuit of happiness

Answer 6

A few of them. Mainly John Locke, but one can argue for Montesquieu as well.