Born in 1743 in Albermarle County, Virginia

Thomas Jefferson

-Born in 1743 in Albermarle County, Virginia. -Died in July 4, 1826 -Credited for writing the Declaration of Independence -Architect, inventor, lawyer, surveyor, musician and a botanist (studies plants) -1760 attended the College of William and Mary and studied math, science and law -Married to Martha Wells Skelton in 1772 -Had 6 children, but only 2 survived to adulthood. -Martha died after the birth of their last child in 1782. -Thomas Jefferson was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1767. -Governor of Virginia after Patrick Henry; secretary of state for George Washington; Vice President with John Adams - 1805 -3rd president of the United States -Arranged the Louisiana Purchase which was $11.25 million plus $3.75 million. LP doubled the size of the US. -US Ambassador to France during the Revolution. -Was opposed to the principle of slavery, yet owned slaves. -Founded the Univ. of Virginia in 1819. Declaration of Independence

Types of Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning – By observing a limited number of cases, the reader arrives at a general statement. This is a means of coming to a conclusion by comparison.

Deductive Reasoning – Arguing from general principles to specific conclusions

Syllogism – a type of Deductive reasoning where a formula presents an argument logically. A syllogism has 3 parts: (1) a major premise; (2) a minor premise; (3) a conclusion

Syllogism Example: Major Premise: All humans are mortal Minor premise: Jefferson is a human Conclusion: Jefferson is a mortal The Declaration of Independence presents a syllogism: Major premise: All people are born with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Minor premise: The American Colonists are people. Conclusion: Therefore, the American Colonists are born with the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Purpose of the Declaration: The document explains and justifies the colonists’ declaring their independence from Britian.