The role of human nature in the formation of American liberal political thought : a case study of Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian principles : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Dreiser, John P.
Advisor
Losco, Joseph
Issue Date
1997
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This thesis examines the impact of views of human nature upon political philosophy by examining the positions of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. It analyzes each man's words and actions to discern basic views on the nature of man and attempts to demonstrate the correlation between theories of human nature and political action. The essay first describes the background of the natural rights doctrine and classical liberalism to establish the paradigm from which both of these men begin. It then reviews both men's writings and practical work in American politics. The essay concludes with a discussion of the political legacy formed by these two men out of their differing views of human nature.