What are some examples of Enlightenment ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

Question

I need specific examples or a website with them.

besides "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"

Answer 1

Now for an answer from a real historian.

1. The idea of nature's God
2. The concept of being born with unalienable rights and being endowed by our creator with these rights (meaning they cannot be given nor taken away by man)
3. The idea that if a king does not carry out his part of the social contract to protect and care for his subjects they have a right, even an obligation, to overthrow him from power.


There you have it.

Answer 2

This is a good question. To see the Enlightenment's influence, we have to define it. Some of its beginnings were in Sir Isaac Newton's classical physics. Newton found laws that demonstrated how the universe worked logically .Philosophers, such as John Locke, David Hume, Montesquieu, and Voltaire then essentially concluded if the physical earth adhered to logical law, the government should be rational as well. Previously, you had divine right of kings--sometimes checked by parliaments, and sometimes not--and dictators. But now the concept of efficiency and rationality for rulers was required. Before subjects were just largely at the mercy of government. However, the Enlightenment had a different view. Locke, for example, even argued that government was a contract. People gave up some rights for protection, but that the rulers had to act within bounds, or the contract was voided.

These changes appeared in the Declaration of Independence. It was not radical by later standards. It made clear that people could not dissolve a government by whimsy, but a just cause was required. The Declaration justified this break by describing King George III as a terrible tyrant. There was exaggeration in this, and it curiously failed to mention Parliament, which played a strong role in this rule as well. But partly as a propaganda document, George made the better target.

Voltaire positive view of mankind was an important part of the really new belief that it could govern itself. This was new. Even Great Britian was a monarchy, and not a republic.

The Declaration of Independence made a call for the people to reject "absolute despotism," "absolute tyranny," and "to throw off such government." Then lengthy charges of the king's abuse are made. Following the rationality of Enlightenment the Americans peacefully and properly petitioned the British government. The document argues that even a vile rule deserved attempts at amicable address. Having failed to get these appeals heard and acted upon, only then were the Colonists justified in dissolving their connections to Great Britain, and becoming a free and independent state.

In summary, the document's introduction states an explanation is required for the breaking of bonds, but that the people are entitled to be protected from destructive government. The conclusion which states the actual varied powers of what the new government had, shows the element of rationality and the obligations rule had. Therefore, it is important to not exaggerate the Declaration of Independence as very radical. The specific examples show a prudence and reason, the essence of Enlightenment, that was lacking in many later rash and experimental revolutionary governments that were chaotic and destructive.

Answer 3

Examples Of Enlightenment

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What are some examples of Enlightenment ideas in the Declaration of Independence?
I need specific examples or a website with them.

Answer 5

The Preamble of the Declaration reflects Enlightenment philosophy, including the concepts of natural law, self-determination, and Deism.

Answer 6

"Life liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is from John Locke who proposed "life, libery and property" as "unalienable rights"

Answer 7

life liberty and the pursuit of happiness