who was the most important embodiment of the enlightenment in america

a- benjamin franklin
b-john locke
c-isaac newton
d-thomas jefferson

This site mentions two of those men as being embodiments of the Enlightenment in America.

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It would be hard to pick between Franklin and Jefferson. Franklin was more reknowned as a writer and scientist, and diplomat, and therefore probably has the edge. Jefferson also was an inventor with a keen interest in agriculture, geography and architecture, as well as politics.

To determine the most important embodiment of the Enlightenment in America among Benjamin Franklin, John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Thomas Jefferson, we can analyze their contributions and impact during that period.

Benjamin Franklin was indeed a prominent figure during the Enlightenment era. He was a writer, scientist, and diplomat known for his experiments with electricity and various inventions. Franklin's famous writings, such as "Poor Richard's Almanack," reflected the ideals of reason, scientific inquiry, and self-improvement.

Thomas Jefferson, while primarily known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and serving as the third President of the United States, was also influenced by the Enlightenment. He incorporated Enlightenment principles into the Declaration, including natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson was also an advocate for religious freedom and believed in the power of education.

John Locke was an influential Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas greatly impacted the founding fathers, including Jefferson. Locke's theories on individual rights, limited government, and the social contract influenced the American Revolution and the formation of the United States.

Isaac Newton, although a brilliant scientist and a significant figure during the Enlightenment, is not typically regarded as a prominent embodiment of the Enlightenment in America. His discoveries in physics and mathematics helped establish the foundation for modern science, but his influence on American Enlightenment thinkers was not as direct as that of Franklin, Jefferson, and Locke.

Considering all these factors, both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson made significant contributions to the Enlightenment in America. Franklin's diverse accomplishments as a writer, scientist, and diplomat, along with his commitment to reason and self-improvement, make him a strong embodiment of the Enlightenment. Similarly, Jefferson incorporated Enlightenment ideals into the founding documents of the United States and contributed to the nation's intellectual and political development. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively choose between them, as they both played crucial roles in embodying the Enlightenment in America.