Lesson Plan
Center For Civic Education

Center for Civic Education: James Madison and Executive Power

For Teachers 10th - 12th
This lesson plan examines the legacy of the "philosopher statesman," James Madison. Madison combined the intellectual knowledge and creativity of the scholar with the practical savvy of the politician, a man of strong principles who also...
Article
Georgetown University

Augustine the African

For Students 9th - 10th
A short but detailed biographical sketch on St. Augustine with nice information about his early life, his role in early Christianity and more.
Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Voltaire, on Francis Bacon

For Students 9th - 10th
This text is a letter by Voltaire on why he considers Francis Bacon to be one of the greatest men of history.
eBook
Oregon State University

New Atlantis, by Francis Bacon, 1626

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides the text of Bacon's "New Atlantis" with modernized spelling for easier reading. No commentary is provided.
Online Course
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Open Course Ware: Problems in Philosophy

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Take advantage of these resources when examining the purpose and power of philosophy and increase understanding of argumentative skills.
Online Course
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Open Course Ware: Ancient Philosophy

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Ancient Greece has bestowed much to Western philosophy. This course will acquaint the student with some of the ancient Greek contributions to the Western philosophical and scientific tradition.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: John Dewey

For Students 9th - 10th
An in-depth biography of the American philosopher and educational reformer, John Dewey (1859-1952).
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Karl Marx

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Wikipedia provides an in-depth look at the life of philosopher Karl Marx.
Online Course
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Open Course Ware: Classics in Western Philosophy

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Utilize these excellent resources when introducing the concepts of Western Philosophy and/or analyzing changing philosophies over time.
Website
American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise

Jewish Virtual Library: Hannah Arendt

For Students 9th - 10th
An excellent and thoroughly detailed biography of Arendt's life. Includes philosophical ideas, her relationship with Heidegger, and the establishment of her own important work and career.
Website
A&E Television

Biography: Plato

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography presented on the Ancient Greek philosopher provides a good foundation of information about his life.
Website
Other

International Debate Education Association: Debates: Philosophy

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A selection of debate topics focused on philosophical issues. Each topic includes a clear statement of the argument, a list of points for and against, suggested support for each (point and counterpoint), and a bibliography that supports...
Article
Other

University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Modernism

For Students 9th - 10th
Course handout discusses the complexities of the artistic and philosophical movements of Modernism.
Website
Other

Bertrand Russell: In Praise of Idleness

For Students 9th - 10th
The lighter side of philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872-1970). Written in 1932, Russell proposes cutting the work day to four hours. Idleness, he argues brings out the best in mankind.
Handout
World History Encyclopedia

World History Encyclopedia: Socrates

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the life of the Greek philosopher Socrates, the philosophy he developed, his influence, and his execution for impiety and for corrupting young people.
Handout
World History Encyclopedia

World History Encyclopedia: Plato

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the life of the Greek philosopher Plato, the philosophy he developed, and his legacy.
Handout
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Rene Descartes (1596 1650)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site presents a biography on philosopher Rene Descartes and provides an overview of Descartes' philosophical thought following the order of his most famous and widely-studied book, "The Meditations on First Philosophy."
Primary
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: Author: Sun Tzu

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers a link to Sun Tzu's nonfiction work The Art of War. Sun Tzu was a Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher who is traditionally credited as the author of The Art of War, a widely influential work of military...
Primary
McMaster University

Mu: Consequences of Lowering Interest & Raising Value

For Students 9th - 10th
View text of Locke's essay "Some Considerations of the Consequences of the Lowering of Interest and the Raising the Value of Money."
Handout
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Lucretius

For Students 9th - 10th
As one of the primary spokesmen for the Epicurean philosophy, Lucretius (99-55 BCE) wrote a philosophical epic "De Rerum Naturum," in which the Epicurean belief in the atomic nature of matter is presented. Look for the section entitled...
Handout
Philosophy Pages

Philosophy Pages: Kant, Synthetic a Priori Judgments

For Students 9th - 10th
An overview of Kant's philosophical perspectives. Includes discussion of Kant as trying to move beyond traditional rational or empirical approaches to thought. Defines A Priori and A Posteriori judgments and more.
Handout
Stanford University

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Confucius

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This Stanford University encyclopedia entry discusses Confucius (551-479 BCE), who, according to Chinese tradition, was a thinker, political figure, educator, and founder of the Ru School of Chinese thought.
Article
Other

Pre History of Cognitive Science: Thomas Hobbes

For Students 9th - 10th
This article analyzes the philosophy contained in such works as "Leviathan." A good starting point for research on Hobbesian philosophy.
Website
Society of Archbishop Justus

Samuel Johnson, Writer of an Age

For Students 9th - 10th
James E. Kiefer's extensive biography features anecdotes from Samuel Johnson's childhood plus discussion of his struggles with disability and the metamorphosis of his religious and philosophical beliefs. This site includes excerpts from...