Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson used John Locke's theories as the primary rationale in the Declaration of Independence, making the statement true. Locke's philosophy of natural rights and the consent of the governed influenced the declaration significantly. While ancient theories of justice emphasized virtue and societal harmony, modern theories like Locke's focus on freedom and individual rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that Thomas Jefferson used the theories of John Locke as the primary rationale for the Declaration of Independence is true. Locke’s influence on Jefferson is evident in the Declaration’s famous proclamation of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which echoes Locke’s philosophy that government is morally obliged to secure natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Furthermore, Locke’s ideas about the consent of the governed and the right to revolt against unjust rulers are also reflected in Jefferson's work.
When comparing ancient and modern theories of justice, ancient theories, like those of Plato, emphasized virtue and the harmony of a well-ordered society based on the functions and roles of its members. On the other hand, modern theories, such as those of Locke and later Rawls, tend to focus more on concepts like freedom, rights, and fairness as essential components in the pursuit of justice.