Yale University
Yale University: Open Yale Courses: Introduction to Political Philosophy
Introductory university-level course in Western political thought and thinkers: Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Tocqueville. Access the full course, in twenty four lectures, in either audio or video formats....
CommonLit
Common Lit: Text Sets: Political Theory
As governments form and change over time, they look to political philosophers to answer important questions about governance. This text set covers some of the world's most influential political thinkers. This collection includes 10...
Other
Bristol University: "The Philosophy of Law" [Pdf]
This resource presents the complete text of a major work by the German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, in which he discusses the idea of "moral obligation" which was important to developing a political philosophy.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Internet Classics Archive: Politics
This site from the Internet Classics Archive provides the full text of Aristotle's "Politics"; translated by Benjamin Jowett.
Stanford University
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Confucius
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.
Other
The Great Books Foundation: The Natural Aristocracy
A letter to John Adams from Thomas Jefferson dated October 28, 1813 that provides a mini-summary of Jefferson's philosophy toward democracy and the ability of Americans to govern themselves.
Philosophy Pages
Philosophy Pages: Aristotle (384 322 Bce)
The life, philosophy and metaphysics of Aristotle (384-322 BCE) are surveyed. The aim of Aristotle's logical treatises (known as the Organon) was to develop a universal method of reasoning by means of which it would be possible to learn...
Philosophy Pages
Philosophy Pages: History of Western Philosophers
This resource provides a narrative survey of the history of Western philosophical thought. Provides a general description of different philosophical questions and how they were answered.
Robert H. Sarkissian
Island of Freedom: John Stuart Mill, 1806 1873
This site contains Mill's biography, which describes his notable upbringing. In addition, it summarizes his contributions to logic, economics, moral philosophy, and political philosophy.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Two Parties Emerge
Although George Washingon denounced the creation of political parties, they came roaring into play in the election of 1796 in which John Adams, representing the Federalists, ran against Thomas Jefferson, who represented the...
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Progressive Era Politics
Read this overview of the Progressive Era to find out about the economic, political, and philosophical conditions of the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that led to changes in working conditions, reforms in...
Other
Plato's Republic
Intensive look at "The Republic," by Plato. Incorporates a brief biography of Plato along with a condensed version of "The Republic". Truly gives the essence of Plato's philosophy.
Other
Commonweal (A Review of Religion, Politics, and Culture)
Home on the web of "Commonweal," a sophisticated and influential journal of opinion edited by lay American Catholics.
Other
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne: The Italian Renaissance [Ppt]
A detailed slideshow that presents key concepts and ideas on Renaissance economics, society, politics, arts and architecture, philosophy, the Papacy, and the spread of humanism. The significant individuals in each category are also...
Council of Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations: Venezuela's Chavez Era
From the Council on Foreign Relations this interactive timeline follows the political career of Venezuelan Hugo Chavez, particularly after his election as president in 1998. Click on links for additional information.
Other
Rousseau Association
Comprehensive resource with hyperlinks to music, writings, and biographical information on Rousseau.
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.
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...
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,...
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.
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.
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.