Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was motivated to express a particular need in its day in the Congress—to explain to the world at the time why the Colonies were at war with and separating from their mother country, England. Yet the warrant for that separation, through the capable and dexterous quill of Thomas Jefferson, was given, by appeal to nature, in terms of certain timeless truths, of which at bedrock lay the expression of human equality. The genius of Thomas Jefferson is in the manner that he artfully sketched core principles of a liberal political philosophy in his document that could morally justify political revolutions. That justification was governmental contravention of humans’ natural equality, when governmental figures, placing themselves above natural law, were treating unequally the citizens they were meant to serve. Thus, while Jefferson artfully answered the need of the Congress (timely), he did so in a manner that would make the Declaration the greatest of all political documents (timeless).

Ukrainian Dr. M. Andrew “Colonel” Holowchak is a professor of philosophy and history, who taught at institutions such as University of Pittsburgh, University of Michigan, and Rutgers University. He has published over 75 books and 400 essays on ethics, ancient philosophy, science, pedagogy, psychoanalysis, critical thinking, and Ukraine. His current research is on Thomas Jefferson—he is the world’s foremost authority—and has published over 300 essays, formal and informal, and 31 books on Jefferson.

Program will be held on Wednesday, July 1st from 6pm-7:30pm in the Galleria of the main branch of DPL. Program will be simulcast on Zoom as well, at the login information below:

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Topic: Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence: A Document, Timely & Timeless

Time: Jul 1, 2026 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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