Question

The Declaration of Independence guarantees "unalienable rights" to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What exactly does the pursuit of happiness mean? Does it mean that you can do anything you want to as long as it makes you happy? To gain insights into this, please conduct a survey among your friends and neighbors. Ask them what "the pursuit of happiness" means to them, and how they interpret this concept in the context of individual rights and responsibilities. Prepare a short report summarizing your findings for the class. Your report should be composed of at least three paragraphs.

Answer 1

The 'pursuit of happiness' in the Declaration of Independence refers to the right to seek personal fulfillment within the context of responsible liberty, congruent with societal laws and responsibilities. It is rooted in Enlightenment natural rights philosophy and requires a government that protects these rights, with the people's authority to change the government if it fails to do so.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of "unalienable rights" including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, is foundational to the American ethos and philosophy. The phrase pursuit of happiness suggests that individuals have the right to seek out what makes them profoundly fulfilled or content, but this does not imply that one's happiness can impinge on the rights of others or on public order and well-being. Rather, the pursuit of happiness is to be understood in the context of responsible liberty, where one's actions respect the rule of law and recognize social responsibilities.

Historically, the idea of these unalienable rights is deeply rooted in the Enlightenment principles of natural rights, as introduced by philosophers like John Locke, and is intended to be guaranteed by governments through a social contract. Thomas Jefferson's inclusion of the pursuit of happiness, rather than Locke's property, as one of the central rights is indicative of a broader interpretation of personal fulfillment and societal progress. While personal definitions of happiness can vary widely, they are universally tied to the freedoms that allow for the expression and attainment of individual goals, as long as such pursuits do not infringe on the rights of others or the social order.

From a legal and historical viewpoint, the concept of liberty encompasses the freedom to act without unauthorized restraint under a system of laws designed to protect individuals and their properties. The government's role, then, is seen as a protector of these rights, and if it fails to do so, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it. The pursuit of happiness within this frame is hence constrained by the bounds of laws and communal standards, reflecting a balance between individual aspirations and collective harmony.