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Developed a philosophy based on freedom within a wider philosophical system offering novel views on topics ranging from property and punishment to morality and the state. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s systematic thought epitomized German Idealism. His political philosophy presents a complex structure for actualizing freedom in the modern world. -
"Categorical imperative." People should not be treated as means to an end. Duty to principle no matter what the consequences may be. taught philosophy at the University of Königsberg for several years. His parents were members of a strict sect of Lutheranism called pietism, and he remained a practicing Christian throughout my life. Religion and ethics went hand in hand for Kant, and God always remained the ground or matrix upon which his concept of morality was raised. -
An English philosopher best known for his work in political and moral philosophy, though he also wrote on metaphysics, epistemology, mathematics, history, religion, and much else. Hobbes argued that the fundamental principles of morality, or laws of nature, require us to try to establish peace: he says this can only be established through the institution of an absolute sovereign. He contended that the sovereign alone is empowered to make laws regulating our actions. -
“Unlimited happiness can only be achieved through God, and God alone.”
An Italian philosopher, theologian, and priest. Sometimes called the prince of Scholastics. Follows Aristotle in thinking that an act is good or bad depending on whether it contributes to or deters us from our proper human end -
Traditionally regarded as the first Western philosopher and mathematician. He was born and lived in Miletus, a Greek colony on the west coast of present day Turkey, referenced as the birthplace of Greek Philosophy because of his high standing as the First Philosopher, a title given him by later Greek writers on the subject. -
Socrates states no one chooses evil; no one chooses to act in ignorance. As a young man in battle, he distinguished himself for bravery several times. His persistent questioning of authorities and public figures is probably intended not to humiliate them, but instead to bring to light truth which might elucidate a view of the good life. -
“Better a little which is well done, than a great deal imperfectly.”
Ancient Greek philosopher who was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. His writings explored justice, beauty and equality, and also contained discussions in aesthetics, political philosophy, theology, cosmology, epistemology and the philosophy of language. -
“All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire.”
Student of Plato and one of the founders of Western philosophy. Spent about twenty years at Plato’s Academy in Athens, first as a student and then as an associate. -
Though Rawls considered himself to be a utilitarian, he also acknowledged that his moral philosophy owed much to the social contract tradition represented over the past few centuries by John Locke and David Hume, among others. Rawls is a uniquely American political philosopher, and this can be seen from his emphasis on political liberty. -
French post-structuralist philosopher, best known for his highly influential formulation of postmodernism in The Postmodern Condition. Lyotard’s writings cover a large range of topics in philosophy, politics, and aesthetics, and experiment with a wide variety of styles. His works can be roughly divided into three categories: early writings on phenomenology, politics, and the critique of structuralism, the intermediate libidinal philosophy, and later work on postmodernism and the “differend.”