Comparing And Contrasting Views Of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was a respected founding father and one of the main writers of The Declaration of Independence. We remember him by his astounding leadership and impressive writing skills, but we rarely focus on the debatable lifestyle he lived. On pages 256-259 of our textbook, many different authors debate their personalized assertions and beliefs regarding Thomas Jefferson and his conflicting views on slavery.

The first source given is from Douglas L. Wilson, who defends Jefferson's position by discussing how he "did not take the next step of concluding that blacks were fit only for slavery." On the contrary, Paul Finkelman, the second source, believed that "Jefferson could not maintain his extravagant lifestyle without his slaves." Wilson addressed presentism by admitting how his personal opinions are based on events by time, while Finkelman argues that Jefferson’s actions are not accurately understandable because the events occurred three decades apart. Although the authors have conflicting viewpoints, they both provide valid arguments supported by important information.

Douglas Wilson comes across as an understanding man; one who sees the positivity of life and tries to avoid any difficulties or sorrows. His ethical values likely depend on the environment he grew up in, his religious views, or where he went to college. Since Mr. Wilson is an English professor at Knox College in Illinois, he probably focuses more around the scholarly educational viewpoint. On the contrary, Paul Finkelman is a professor of Law and Public Policy in New York, so he likely focuses on the politics and legal