The Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, drew upon several natural rights philosophies that influenced its content. The following are some key philosophical influences on the Declaration of Independence:
1. John Locke's Social Contract Theory: John Locke's ideas, particularly his theory of natural rights and social contract, greatly influenced the Declaration. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. The Declaration echoes these concepts, asserting that all individuals are endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.
2. Enlightenment Philosophy: The Declaration of Independence reflects the broader influence of Enlightenment philosophy, which emphasized reason, individualism, and the pursuit of freedom. Enlightenment thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Montesquieu, and Voltaire contributed to ideas about limited government, separation of powers, and the protection of individual liberties—all of which are echoed in the Declaration.
3. Natural Law Theory: The concept of natural law, which holds that there are inherent moral principles derived from nature or a higher power, played a role in shaping the Declaration. It asserted that certain rights are fundamental and should be protected by government. The Declaration's emphasis on natural rights and the idea that all individuals are created equal draws from this natural law tradition.
4. Classical Republicanism: While primarily influenced by natural rights theories, the Declaration also incorporates elements of classical republicanism. This tradition emphasized civic virtue, the common good, and the idea that government should serve the interests of the people. These principles can be seen in the Declaration's emphasis on the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of the people's rights and the importance of government being based on the consent of the governed.
Overall, the Declaration of Independence draws upon a combination of natural rights philosophies, Enlightenment ideas, natural law theory, and classical republicanism to articulate the principles of individual rights, government legitimacy, and the people's right to self-determination.