Why do people create governments? Where did we get our ideas about government? This is a fantastic introductory instructional activity for your American government class that begins by reviewing the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and John...

Why study European Enlightenment? Because our governing forefathers and constitution were shaped by their words and philosophies. Presented here are facts and achievements of 8 different figures from the enlightened era. Also included is...

Students examine lives, philosophies, and political beliefs of four Enlightenment Thinkers: Baron de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. Students then work with partner to write short speech from...

Here is a great secondary source reading that includes the primary ideas and philosophies of the famed Enlightenment philosophers: Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Charles Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In additional to discussing...

In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Leviathan by Hobbes. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet. 

In this online interactive philosophy instructional activity, students respond to 17 multiple choice questions about Hobbes's Leviathan. Students submit their answers to be scored.

In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about The Social Contract by Rosseau. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet. 

How does a society influence and shape individuals? Class members ponder this essential question as they read Lord of the Flies, as well as primary source materials about the historical background of the novel. As a...

This article analyzes the philosophy contained in such works as "Leviathan." A good starting point for research on Hobbesian philosophy.

This site from The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy provides a comprehensive survey of the life and philosophy of Thomas Hobbes. It discusses his writings as well as his ideas on moral and political philosophy.

This site provides an e-text of the Leviathan, written by Thomas Hobbes.

This site provides a short biography, and some links to relevant sites.

This article surveys the life and work of the English philosopher John Hobbes (1588-1679).

This site from The Galileo Project of Rice University presents Hobbes' life in an outline, giving easy access to the critical information. This is a great site to check out for information on the subject.

This site, which is provided for by the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, gives a detailed biography of the life of Thomas Hobbes, including a discussion of his philosophy.

Begins as a bullet-style biography, then a great section called Ideas and Contributions.

A great biography. Includes extensive quotes by Hobbes and by those who knew him. His works and philosophical ideas are detailed here.

A brief but helpful biography, mostly including insights into his philosophy and contemporary importance.

A learning module that begins with "Excerpts from Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online through free...

Two opposing philosophies concerning the relationship between government and its citizens were expressed by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke in the 17th century. Compare these two philosophies and see how they were related to the colonists'...

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.

This page provides an excellent biography of John Wallis, an English clergyman, mathematician, and philosopher. Discusses his childhood, education, travel, studies, and his contributions to the fields of philosophy, language, and...