The Declaration of Independence and the Rights Explicitly Stated
The Declaration of Independence and the Rights Explicitly Stated
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is one of the most cherished documents in American history. Its opening sentence famously proclaims the self-evident truths upon which the American nation was founded. However, the nuances of these proclamations sometimes get overlooked, leading to misunderstandings about the founding principles of the United States.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document that announced the thirteen American colonies' separation from the Kingdom of Great Britain. It begins with the famous line: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.'
Is Life Mentioned as an Inalienable Right?
Yes, the Declaration of Independence states that life is an inalienable right. However, understanding exactly how this is phrased and the historical context in which it was written is crucial. The full second paragraph of the Declaration provides a more comprehensive view of the founding principles:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
It is important to note that the phrase 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' is more than a simple enumeration of rights; it is part of a larger ideological framework meant to justify revolution and establish a new form of government.
The Historical Context
The language used in the Declaration of Independence was carefully chosen by the Founding Fathers, many of whom were influential in religious and intellectual circles of their time. Ben Franklin, a key figure in the revolution and an accomplished editor, suggested changing the phrase 'sacred and undeniable' to 'self-evident.' This subtle but significant change reflects a balance between faith-based principles and secular reasoning that was central to the Enlightenment.
Why the Change from 'Sacred and Unquestionable' to 'Self-evident'?
The phrase 'sacred and unquestionable' implies a religious or divine basis for these truths, which might have been more convincing to certain denominations. However, Ben Franklin's suggestion to use 'self-evident' aligns more closely with the philosophical and rationalist ideas of the Age of Enlightenment. According to this perspective, 'self-evident' means that these truths can be perceived through logic and reason and can be understood by all rational beings, regardless of religious belief.
What Does 'Self-Evident' Mean?
Locke, a prominent Enlightenment philosopher, heavily influenced Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Locke argued that certain truths are 'self-evident' because they are based on reason and logic rather than faith or divine revelation. For example, Euclid's axioms, which serve as foundational truths in geometry, are considered self-evident because they can be accepted without further proof.
Thus, the line 'self-evident' in the Declaration of Independence does not mean these truths are incontrovertible without questions of God or religion. Instead, they are treatable within the realm of reason and logic, reflecting the broader Enlightenment ideals of democracy, liberty, and rational thought.
In conclusion, while the Declaration of Independence does indeed acknowledge 'life' as an inalienable right, the way it is stated is more complex than a simple affirmation of religious beliefs. The document reflects a balance between religious and philosophical ideas, emphasizing reason and logical understanding in the establishment of a new nation based on equality and freedom.