Question

How do Thomas Jefferson's notions of “argument and debate” as “natural weapons” against religious tyranny also inform his ideas about democracy?
My assignment is:
In one paragraph of at least 150 words, discuss how Jefferson’s notions of “argument and debate” as “natural weapons” against religious tyranny might also inform his ideas about democracy.

I just need to know how the two relate, PLEASE HELP... I feel like a lost puppy.

Answer 1

Answer:

Thomas Jefferson being an eloquent speaker and knows well how to use words and language to his advantage to persuade his audience. By viewing 'argument and debate' as 'natural weapons' he is asserting that these two elements are valuable, especially when he/she is arguing for something.

Explanation:

Thomas Jefferson, in 1777, outlined about having freedom of values and principles, and separation of the church and the state entities in the document entitled 'Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.'

In this statute, he stated that 'argument and debate' are two 'natural weapons'. He noted these two elements as natural weapons as they are valuable, especially when one is arguing for something or presenting his/her case.

Being an eloquent speaker, he knows very well how to use words and language to his advantage. He knows how to use past experience of people to persuade them into something. Therefore, using the past experience of tyranny by the monarchy, he was able to present the case and inform his ideas about democracy. In his statute, he presented the idea of separating the church and the state from each other also clarifies that Jefferson envisions of a government different from that of Britain- of a democratic government.