Other
Biographies: Machiavelli (1469 1527)
A biography of the works and philosophical/political ideas of Machiavelli. Includes some dates and describes the times in which he lived.
Philosophy Pages
Philosophy Pages: Karl Marx (1818 1883)
The life and work of philosopher Karl Marx is surveyed with links to full-text translations of The Communist Manifesto and other tracts.
Other
Routledge: Philosophy for a Level: Authority and Legitimacy [Pdf]
Explains the distinctions between power, authority, and legitimacy. It then looks at the relationship of legitimacy to a government, what obligations people have to obey a government, and what Plato's thinking was on this subject. The...
Other
Commonweal (A Review of Religion, Politics, and Culture)
Home on the web of "Commonweal," a sophisticated and influential journal of opinion edited by lay American Catholics.
Other
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne: The Italian Renaissance [Ppt]
A detailed slideshow that presents key concepts and ideas on Renaissance economics, society, politics, arts and architecture, philosophy, the Papacy, and the spread of humanism. The significant individuals in each category are also...
Council of Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations: Venezuela's Chavez Era
From the Council on Foreign Relations this interactive timeline follows the political career of Venezuelan Hugo Chavez, particularly after his election as president in 1998. Click on links for additional information.
University of California
Ucla African Studies Center: Marcus Garvey: An Overview
This detailed biography of Marcus Garvey, advocate of the back-to-Africa movement as a push-back to the way African Americans were being treated after World War I, gives good insight into his life and philosophy. Find information on his...
Other
Rousseau Association
Comprehensive resource with hyperlinks to music, writings, and biographical information on Rousseau.
Columbia University
Columbia University: John Locke: Of the Conduct of the Understanding
A complete biography of the philosopher John Locke. It discusses his contribution to philosophy and his social contract.
Other
Bluepete: Biographies: Thomas Hobbes
A great biography. Includes extensive quotes by Hobbes and by those who knew him. His works and philosophical ideas are detailed here.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: "The Spirit of Laws" (Excerpts) (1748)
Fordham University provides excerpts from the 1748 book of political philosophy by Montesquieu; "The Spirit of Laws".
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: George Washington and Executive Power
George Washington had a role in establishing our nation from the Revolutionary War through his presidency. He was a commander, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and a reluctant first President. Analyze his political...
Other
Secular Humanism: Thomas Paine
The Secular Humanism site looks at Thomas Paine and his political philosophy based in deist thought.
Other
Ayn Rand Society
Website dedicated to providing information about Ayn Rand and Objectivism. Links to information on objectivism, capitalism, and art are included.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Citizenship: Making Government Work
This unit on citizenship introduces the question "What is government?" from a philosophical perspective, and delves into the meaning of government, how it works, etc. through a Video on Demand, assignments, and critical thinking and more.
Other
The Skeptic's Dictionary: Occam's Razor
This site offers an intuitive look at "Occam's Razor," the philosophical statement of the "principle of unnecessary plurality." Content focuses on the life and role of William Ockham; the history of this particular philosophy; as well as...
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Niccolo Machiavelli, 1469 1527
This site has biographical information for Machiavelli (1469-1527 CE), the political philosopher during the Italian Renaissance.
Victorian Web
The Victorian Web: Matthew Arnold
This Victorian Web site features links to documents about the life, works, and times of the poet and critic Matthew Arnold (1821-1888). Content ranges from the genre, themes, and imagery found in his literary works, to a biography,...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking: Impact of Enlightenment
The ideas of the Enlightenment began in Europe, but they were acted upon in the American colonies. See how the philosophies of John Locke and Rousseau influenced the thoughts and actions of Puritan clergy and political figures like...
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Mary Wollstonecraft, 1759 1797
From a college lecture on "The Language of Politics: England and the French Revolution," this biographical sketch connects Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797 CE) to the major political and philosophical thinkers of her time.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Ethics Reader: Great Ethicists of the Western Tradition
A 190-page reader of selected writings from the most-influential thinkers of the Western tradition on the wide-ranging subject of ethics. Essential background information for any serious student of the principles of law, good government,...
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Sophocles
A discussion of the writings of Sophocles, in particular Antigone, and the theme of the conflict between personal and political matters.
Other
The Sophists and Socrates
Wonderful essay on Socrates refutation of the Sophists. Discusses Socrates' debate with Protagoras over the meaning of "arete" (justice) and its consequences for the democratic politics of Athens.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Student Activism
A good look at the student activism of the Students for a Democratic Society and the philosophy behind this organization.