The Declaration of Independence, Social Compact Theory & Principles of the American Revolution

In what sense are “all men . . . created equal”? What is human liberty? What is prosperity, and how is wealth created? In 1776 these questions were addressed and acted upon in ways that have created the modern world. Commemorating the 250th anniversary, explore 1776 and the ideas that made the modern world, focusing on the Declaration of Independence and Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations.

Join us on Tuesday, January 20, 7:00–8:00 p.m. ET for a meeting of a special course 1776: The Ideas that Made the Modern World, taught by Vincent Phillip Muñoz, Tocqueville Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame and the Founding Director of ND’s Center for Citizenship & Constitutional Government, and James Otteson, John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. The course is open to students of any year or major; it presumes no prior knowledge and is designed for students who are intellectually curious. It is also open to the general public, both in person and virtually. Readings are available at the links below. All lectures will be livestreamed, with recordings posted afterward.

For more information, and to subscribe to receive reminder emails for future 1776: The Ideas that Made the Modern World livestreams, please visit the course website.

To read along with the class, enjoy the following:

•  The Declaration of Independence, 1776
• Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Roger C. Weightman, June 24, 1826
• Alexander Hamilton, “The Farmer Refuted,” (excerpt) Feb. 23, 1775
• James Wilson, Lectures on Law, Part I, Chapter VII, “Of Man as a Member of Society,” p. 634–639 (1790)
• James Madison, “Property,” 1792