Thomas Jefferson

November 15, 2014

Holowchak (philosophy, Rider Univ.; Framing a Legend) thoroughly examines a lifetime of letters and documents to painstakingly explicate Thomas Jefferson's impassioned theories regarding human nature, politics, morality, and education, comparing them with those of contemporary and ancient thinkers. The author addresses the common and frequent misrepresentation and oversimplification of Jefferson's distinct philosophy and its historic and modern implications for government, liberty, and happiness. Here, the founding father is an inveterate philosopher, whose undying devotion to the experiment of participatory republicanism was motivated by his overwhelming concern for protecting rights, forestalling tyranny, and promoting science and happiness. Holowchak warns us not to take the material out of the context of its time or philosophy, nor to categorize the leader's interconnected observations. The author defends his subject's inconsistencies when this intellectualist failed to adhere to his reflective conclusions, and indemnifies him from responsibility for recent lawless acts. Jefferson was an idealist with a sanguine belief in humanity's capacity for improvement and happiness when provided with education and the opportunity to partake in governing itself. VERDICT While primarily accessible to academics, anyone interested in Jefferson's impact on ideas regarding human liberty and government should be encouraged to undertake this most beneficial read.--Margaret Kappanadze, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY

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