Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Developments in Democracy
Learning activity in which students study the ideas of Enlightenment philosophers, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. Lesson includes individual, group and whole class activity in which students write, discuss and debate the role...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Enlightenment Philosophers and American Government
[Free Registration/Login Required] The lesson is designed to review the main thoughts and ideas of the Enlightenment philosophers and how their ideas contributed to the American governmental system.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: The Enlightenment Thinkers
Links to a concentration game where students must match famous Enlightenment thinkers to their ideas.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason shaped philosophical, political, and scientific discourse from the late 17th to the early 19th century. This article traces the Enlightenment back to its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, and...
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: The Enlightenment
A great essay on the Enlightenment period of the 18th century with hyperlinks to many individuals and movements of the time. A very scholarly look at the "age of enlightenment."
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Wright of Derby, a Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery
Joseph Wright of Derby's painting, "A Philosopher Lecturing on the Orrery", encapsulates in one moment the age of Enlightenment. View pictures and read details of this painting in this essay.
Other
Philosophe.com: Getting to Know Your Audience
Essays about understanding your audience in the development of websites. This extended discussion can enlighten the understanding the audience in writing any work.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: John Locke
The University of Groningen provides information about the 17th century British liberal philosopher. Includes concise biographical information and a link to the text of "A Letter Concerning Toleration." Read about what part of his...
Other
University of Miami: The Life of Buddha, Part I
A detailed account of the Buddha's life and teachings written from a philosophical perspective.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: Philosophy and Literature: Intellectual Climate
Discusses the intellectual atmosphere in the 1800s as America struggled to find its identity. The influences of the Enlightenment and Romanticism are described, and the ideas of various writers and philosophers.
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.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Jean Jacque Rousseau, 1712 1778
A good biography of French Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, his philosophical writings and his influential idea of a 'Social Contract' between people and their ruler.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Historical Influences on Morality: A Basis for Literary Study
Using this PDF lesson plan, students will get a general overview of the historical span of philosophical thought and how it may have been a product or reaction to the time period. Students will research philosophies and time periods...
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Denis Diderot
Encyclopedia entry about the French philosopher and writer. Features biographical information, including Diderot's education, philosophy, and major literary works.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Art History: Neo Classicism, an Introduction
Brief introduction to Enlightenment concepts as reflected in the art of the period, illustrated with a painting by English artist Joseph Wright.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Flies
Based on the Greek myth of Orestes and Electra, ths play was written during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Read about the themes and characters in this enlightening site.
Other
Institute of Physics: Physics Evolution
The interactive map explores physics characters, their stories, and how they influenced each other. The ancient philosophers, the Arabian age, and the electrical enlightenment are included.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Voltaire
A French philosopher during the French Enlightenment.