Category
Oral (LUO Remote) - Textual or Investigative
Description
My research topic is the natural law foundation for Lincoln’s ending slavery. My literature both considers Lincoln’s philosophy—which is based on natural law—and Lincoln, the historical man—i.e., historical factors influencing Lincoln’s decision. My research question is “How did Abraham Lincoln conceive of liberty?” My research methods for the philosophical aspect of my topic are to identify the chain of thinkers who developed natural law philosophy with a particular focus on what they said about slavery. These thinkers and works include the Pentateuch, the Gospels and Epistles, Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics), Cicero (The Laws), Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica), the medieval Bible commentator Rashi, John Locke (Two Treatises of Government), and Thomas Jefferson (United States Declaration of Independence). For the historical aspect of my research question, I consider speeches by Lincoln throughout his political career, which reveal his development on the issue of slavery. In addition, I identify early life influences, as Lincoln was almost entirely self-educated, and role models (e.g., George Washington, Henry Clay). Last, I look at Lincoln’s legacy over the ages, including the role religion played in Lincoln’s later life. My main conclusion is that while Lincoln’s actions to end slavery were richly supported intellectually and Biblically, the president’s manner of doing so set a dangerous precedent of removing power from the states and therefore expanding the role of the federal government. One question this provokes is whether slavery would have met its end in the Confederacy with time, which would have allowed the preservation of states’ rights. In terms of future research, I would like to explore how Lincoln’s views related to those of the nation at-large. Did Lincoln reflect American religion, influence it, or stand apart in his views?
Ending American Slavery Once and for All: Lincoln, Natural Law, the Bible, and the Federal Government
Oral (LUO Remote) - Textual or Investigative
My research topic is the natural law foundation for Lincoln’s ending slavery. My literature both considers Lincoln’s philosophy—which is based on natural law—and Lincoln, the historical man—i.e., historical factors influencing Lincoln’s decision. My research question is “How did Abraham Lincoln conceive of liberty?” My research methods for the philosophical aspect of my topic are to identify the chain of thinkers who developed natural law philosophy with a particular focus on what they said about slavery. These thinkers and works include the Pentateuch, the Gospels and Epistles, Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics), Cicero (The Laws), Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica), the medieval Bible commentator Rashi, John Locke (Two Treatises of Government), and Thomas Jefferson (United States Declaration of Independence). For the historical aspect of my research question, I consider speeches by Lincoln throughout his political career, which reveal his development on the issue of slavery. In addition, I identify early life influences, as Lincoln was almost entirely self-educated, and role models (e.g., George Washington, Henry Clay). Last, I look at Lincoln’s legacy over the ages, including the role religion played in Lincoln’s later life. My main conclusion is that while Lincoln’s actions to end slavery were richly supported intellectually and Biblically, the president’s manner of doing so set a dangerous precedent of removing power from the states and therefore expanding the role of the federal government. One question this provokes is whether slavery would have met its end in the Confederacy with time, which would have allowed the preservation of states’ rights. In terms of future research, I would like to explore how Lincoln’s views related to those of the nation at-large. Did Lincoln reflect American religion, influence it, or stand apart in his views?
Comments
Doctorate