Explains what the 'Scottish philosophy' was and how well it fitted with American sensibilities in the 1800s. Over time it evolved into the American philosophy of Pragmatism. The other philosophy that took hold in some groups of society...

The history of Islamic philosophy is discussed here. Learn how it has developed over time, how it has been influenced by Greek-Hellenistic philosophy, and how it differs according to demographic and region.

A discussion of how Manifest Destiny became a philosophy that justified and fueled Americans' ideas about expansion and annexation of new territories.

This article is a discussion of the Greek-Hellenistic philosophy within the Islamic world. Early Islamic philosophers shunned the influence of Greek philosophy; however, over time that view began to change. Certain philosophers hailed...

Learn about the development of Islamic philosophy. Discover its origins and the differences between falsafa and hikma, otherwise referred to as the various schools of thought within Islamic philosophy. Peripatetic philosophy is discussed...

This profile of Margaret Fuller (1810-1850) reveals why she is sometimes called "the most important woman of the nineteenth century." Discussion includes her literary criticism, journalism, and her feminist manifesto, Woman of the...

This is an article on how philosophy can be used in the study of social sciences such as sociology and psychology. The nature of social sciences and how they differ from the natural sciences is also explored.

Excellent introductory article by Arthur Danto defining "aesthetics." Site has helpful links throughout and great discussion questions at end of article. Danto bibliography included.

Examines the concept of political legitimacy. How is it defined? What are its functions? What are the sources of political legitimacy? What does it look like in a democracy? What does it look like on a global level? These are some of the...

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

Describes the struggle of Americans to develop a unified sense of national identity in the 1800s.

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.

Discusses the state of literature and written history in the 1800s as they related to the development of a national identity, and the role Romanticism played. With the passage of time, more serious literature emerged and authors began to...

A representation of the views of the factory owners who had become wealthy in mid 19th century England.

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...

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

Written in 1881, this brief work focuses on the moral philosophy work that Smith did before his fame as an economist.

A scholarly article on St. Augustine's religious philosophy. It includes an examination of his major theological work "City of God".

Author links ancient Greek philosophy to the place of sports in contemporary education. An interesting example of philosophy of sport.

This site is provided for by the Boston University. Author retrieves J.S. Mill's philosophy of higher and lower pleasures and applies it to contemporary sports education. An interesting look at philosophy of sport.

The Song dynasty was the second great "medieval" period of China. Northern Song (while it lasted) and the Southern Song (from 1127 until 1279) achieved incredible feats of learning, science, art, and philosophy. International trade and...

An excerpt from Montesquieu's "The Spirit of Laws" on his philosophy on democratic government and trade.

Lengthy but informative article traces the fame and decline of Croce's philosophy in the 20th century, as well as his contributions in aesthetics, literary criticism, and historiography. Author argues that Croce's thought deserves a...

Learn about the life and work of quantum physicist, David Bohm, who was a leading expert in the fields of theoretical physics, neuropsychology, and philosophy.