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Thomas Jefferson is regarded as one of the most influential figures in American history, having drafted the Declaration of Independence and shaped the foundational ideals of American democracy and the American dream. However, Jeffersons political philosophy is marked by contradictions and complexities, particularly in his views on race and property. Reading selections from Jeffersons Notes, Mathews The Radical Philosophy of Thomas Jefferson, and Richardsons Thomas Jefferson and Race provide insights into these contradictions and their implications. Exploring the impact of Jeffersons ideas, why understanding property and human nature is important in evaluating happiness and the role of government in pursuing it, and the contradictions that arise from his views on property and race.
Reading Jeffersons, Mathews, and Richardsons essays reveals several implications. Jeffersons political philosophy was multifaceted and radical. Jeffersons ideas continue to shape debates about the role of government and citizenship, but slaverys and racisms legacies continue to shape the American Dream and the fight for equality and justice (Matthews, 2013). His opposing views on racial discrimination and preserving slavery highlight the ongoing difficulty of overcoming deep-seated racial prejudice and inequality (Richardson, 2001). In conclusion, both essays emphasize the complexities of Jeffersons political philosophy in relation to the ongoing debates that have influenced the American Dream.
Jeffersons views on human nature and property reveal a lot about his definition of happiness and the role of government in achieving it. According to Jefferson, the right to own property was a substantial natural right that determined individual freedom and liberty. He believed the governments role was to protect this right by enacting laws and maintaining an enabling economic environment. Jefferson was inclined to the idea that happiness through liberty and support by the government would result in a thriving democracy based on the free exchange of goods and ideas (Jefferson, 1785). It is important to note, however, that Jeffersons understanding of property and human nature was shaped by his social and economic context, including a deeply embedded system of racial slavery.
For several reasons, dismissing Jeffersons views on race as a result of being a man of his time is historically incorrect. While at his time, many of Jeffersons contemporaries held racist beliefs, this did not absolve him of responsibility for his own beliefs and actions. Jefferson enslaved people and defended slavery in his writings (Richardson, 2001). He also advocated for removing Native Americans from their land, demonstrating his commitment to white supremacy. To dismiss Jeffersons views on race due to his time ignores how he actively perpetuated and benefited from racial oppression and inequality.
Jeffersons understanding of property and race could be more consistent with his political philosophy. If property rights are the cornerstone of an ideal democracy, but property ownership is based on a system of racial slavery and inequality, then reconciling these two ideas is difficult (Richardson, 2001). Furthermore, Jeffersons commitment to individual liberty and freedom is jeopardized by his participation in a system of racial oppression. In that case, it calls into question the sincerity and consistency of his broader political philosophy.
To conclude, Jeffersons political philosophys contradictions and complexities highlight the challenges of constructing a truly democratic and equitable society that meets the American dream. The major drawback of his philosophy is supporting systems with deeply ingrained racial oppression and inequality. The evaluated essays give insight into how Jeffersons ideas continue to shape American democracy and the ongoing struggle to reconcile the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice with the legacy of racism and oppression by exploring Jeffersons views on happiness, government, and race.
References
Jefferson, T. (1785). Notes on the State of Virginia. W. W. Abbot (Ed.). University of North Carolina Press.
Matthews, R. K. (2013). The radical philosophy of Thomas Jefferson. American Political Thought, 2(1), 2042.
Richardson, J. J. (2001). Thomas Jefferson and race. Journal of Politics, 63(3), 633655.
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