section_path: Standards/Ontological
section_name: Ontological
paragraph_text: Ontological
  
  The standard of equality that states everyone is created equal at birth is called ontological equality. This type of equality can be seen in many places like the United States Declaration of Independence. This early document, which states many of the values of the United States of America, has this idea of equality embedded in it. It says " all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights". The statement reflects the philosophy of John Locke and his idea that all are equal in terms of certain natural rights. Although this standard of equality is seen in documents as important as the Declaration of Independence, it is "one not often invoked in policy debates these days".