Thomas Jefferson, 1743–1826. The American philosopher and statesman was the third president of the United States. A man of broad interests and activity, he exerted an immense influence on the political and intellectual life of the new nation. (The Library of Congress.)

The early American political philosopher and politician Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), was born in Albemarle Country, Virginia on April 13. By the time of his death at his home of Monticello just outside Charlottesville, Virginia on July 4, Jefferson considered his three greatest achievements to be writing the Declaration of Independence, writing the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and founding the University of Virginia. It is nevertheless also the case that Jefferson's views on science, politics, and ethics present a uniquely American perspective on technological progress as flowing from individual liberty, economic freedom, and personal Christian morality.

This "American System" of viewing advances in scientific knowledge as part...