Focus keyphrase: Thomas Jefferson book bans

In light of the current arguments over how book access should be regulated, it might be worth checking what one of the most beloved and heroic Founders – Thomas Jefferson – thought on the matter. Jefferson’s philosophy created an intellectual and moral ground for American political system in many areas, including the freedom of human mind, religion and expression. In this mini lecture, we will go through some of the arguments Jefferson offered in support of the freedom of human mind – from the priest and the magistrate. We will discuss his writings on the approaches he viewed as best to defend the truth and tell the rights from wrongs. Also, we will go over the particular case when Thomas Jefferson literally purchased a banned book – and what came after that. Let’s travel through the book shelf together!

Mini video lecture: https://youtu.be/s8np7VV32wM?si=xjVGANmxJ2VHsbOq

References used in the video: Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/resource/mtj1.047_0395_0396/?st=gallery; National archives: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-07-02-0218; Monticello archive: https://www.monticello.org/exhibits-events/blog/really-mortified/.