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Using Enlightenment Principles To Excuse Slavery

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Topic 8
Using Enlightenment Principles to Excuse Slavery
The following paper will look at the ways with which the Enlightenment theory can be applied to justify slavery. In order to do so, the focus will be put on the idea of the pursuit of happiness through the pursuit of property. When it comes to slavery, the concept of property can be studied under two different lights. Being seen as property, slaves are no more than chattel that needs to be protected in order to stay the owner’s possessions. But, they can also be seen as free labour that allows the owner his sense of progress through land and slave owning.
Under Enlightenment ideals, man should strive to perfect his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It should be noted
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