The Complexity of Thomas Jefferson A Response to “’The Diffusion of Light’: Jefferson’s Philosophy of Education”

Th is response argues that Jeff erson’s educational philosophy must be considered in a proper historical context. Holowchak accurately demonstrates both Jeff erson’s obsession with education and the politi-cal philosophy on which his educational beliefs are built. However, the eff ort to apply modern demo-cratic and meritocratic attributes to Jeff erson is unwarranted. This article is a response to: Holowchak, M. A. (2013). “Th e diff usion of light”: Jeff erson’s philosophy of education. Democracy & Education, 21(2). Article 4. Retrieved fro