Passage from the Declaration of Independence (1776):

Question

"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."

How does Thomas Jefferson's use of the phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident" contribute to the power and persuasiveness of the Declaration of Independence?

*
0 points
It emphasizes the importance of religious beliefs as the foundation of the rights being claimed, thereby limiting the appeal to non-religious audiences.
It appeals to reason and universal principles, asserting that the inherent rights of individuals are unquestionable and universally accepted, strengthening the argument for independence.
It suggests that the rights and freedoms being asserted are debatable and require further explanation, diminishing the persuasiveness of the argument.
It weakens the argument by implying that the rights listed are merely opinions rather than universal truths.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: It appeals to reason and universal principles, asserting that the inherent rights of individuals are unquestionable and universally accepted, strengthening the argument for independence.

By using the phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident," Thomas Jefferson conveys that the rights outlined are not merely opinions or beliefs, but rather fundamental truths that should be universally recognized and accepted. This appeals to reason and lends authority to the claim of independence, reinforcing the idea that these rights are inherent to all individuals and thus should not be infringed upon. This strong assertion enhances the persuasiveness of the Declaration by framing the pursuit of independence as a fight for these universally acknowledged rights.