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,...
Digital History
Digital History: The Presidency of John Quincy Adams
Read about the many problems encountered by John Quincy Adams during his presidency, most not of his making, but a reflection of the split in the philosophies of the National Republicans and the up-and-coming Jacksonian Democrats.
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.
BBC
Bbc: History: Edmund Burke (1729 1797)
A one-page summary of the life and philosophy of influential eighteenth-century Anglo-Irish Parliamentarian Edmund Burke, whose theories of government led him to sympathize with the American colonists against the British crown, to...
University of California
Ucla: Manas: About India
This is a robust site from UCLA with lots of information about Indian cultures, religions, social life and organization, history and politics. Don't expect a zillion pictures, but an in-depth look at the cultures and history.
Philosophy Pages
Philosophy Pages: John Stuart Mill (1806 1873)
This is a site that's dedicated to the life and works of John Stuart Mill (1806-1873 CE). The site provides numerous links to relevant information about his life and also his works on utilitarianism, individual liberty and women's rights...
Other
Inf Ed Encyclopedia: Jean Jaques Rousseau on Education
An extensive biography of Rousseau with lots of detail on his views on education, especially informal education.
Boston University
Boston University: The Social Contract Tradition
This site presents an abstract of the social contract tradition. It also contains a very detailed overview of the ideas of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Justification for the State
From Wikipedia, this article outlines the purpose of government and explains how disagreement over purpose can splinter into various movements such as socialism, fascism, and communism. Includes links to further explanations of different...
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Alexander Hamilton to James Duane
The original text from the University of Chicago Press of a 1780 letter from Alexander Hamilton to James Duane, who later became a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, on the weaknesses of the existing U.S. government under the...
iCivics
I Civics: Philosophically Correct
Trace how philosophers throughout history have envisioned the ideal government. Explore ideas from Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, and more.
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: The Prince by Nicolo Machiavelli
Read the full text of "The Prince" by Nicolo Machiavelli. This political treatise is said to be one of the first works of modern political philosophy.
C-SPAN
American Writers: Ayn Rand
A good informational site on Ayn Rand. Includes general information about her life, works, and writings, including The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Also includes links to other sites.
Then Again
Then Again: Web Chron: Western and Central Europe Chronology
A good biography. Includes life and career information, as well as political background and general atmosphere of the times. Also contains descriptions/explanations of major works.