Assignment & Theory
Background
Literary research is often conducted by scholars, students, and enthusiasts who are interested in deepening their understanding of literature and its significance. It can involve a wide range of methods, including close reading, textual analysis, biographical research, and critical theory. In order to research properly, one should utilize available databases to determine sources of relevance.
In this tab you will find your class assignment and a short list of noteworthy philosophers. While the time period and setting for each philosopher varies greatly, much of their philosophies share common thematic elements centering around the fundamentals of existing, knowledge, values, the nature of reality and the human experience. Feel free to browse the list to determine which philosopher and their philosophical work you'd be interesting to learn and research further. As you research and read, think more about the meaning and influence of their philosophical theory and the potential connection it may have have to various forms of political action and revolutions.
Philosophers & Philosophical Theory
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Adam SmithOften referred to as the father of modern economics, proposed that individuals pursuing their self-interest inadvertently contribute to the overall good of society through what he called the "invisible hand." He believed that free markets, driven by competition and voluntary exchange, lead to wealth creation and efficient resource allocation, ultimately benefiting everyone in the economy.
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Angela DavisA philosophy centers on the interconnectedness of social justice movements, emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic oppression through a holistic lens. She advocates for the liberation of marginalized groups, arguing that true justice cannot be achieved without dismantling the structures of racism, sexism, and classism that perpetuate inequality in society.
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AristotleA prominent ancient Greek philosopher, believed that knowledge is gained through experience and observation of the natural world. He emphasized the importance of reason and logic, proposing that humans could achieve a virtuous and fulfilling life by understanding the underlying principles of existence and striving for a balanced state of being known as "eudaimonia."
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Audre LordeShe believed in the power of using one's voice to enact social change, emphasizing that personal experiences are crucial in understanding and addressing systemic injustices. She argued that the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality shapes individual identity and that embracing these differences can foster solidarity and empower marginalized communities.
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Ayn RandA philosophy, known as Objectivism, emphasizes individualism and the pursuit of one's own happiness as the highest moral aim. She believed that rational self-interest and capitalism are essential for a flourishing society, arguing that individuals should prioritize their own lives and values while respecting the rights of others to do the same.
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Bell HooksShe is a prominent cultural critic and feminist theorist, emphasizes the importance of love and community in the fight against oppression. She argues that true liberation comes from recognizing the interconnectedness of various forms of discrimination, advocating for a holistic approach that values diversity and promotes healing through dialogue and understanding.
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ConfuciusA Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasized the importance of morality, proper social relationships, and justice, forming the foundation of Confucianism. His ideas influenced not only individual behavior but also the structure of society, promoting harmony and respect among people, which has shaped Chinese culture and various aspects of governance for centuries.
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FoucaultA French philosopher whose work focused on the relationship between power, knowledge, and social institutions. He challenged traditional views of authority and emphasized how societal norms and practices shape individual behavior, suggesting that power is not only held by institutions but is also embedded in everyday interactions and knowledge systems.
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Frantz FanonHis philosophy centers on the impact of colonialism and the psychological effects it has on both the colonizers and the colonized. He argues that decolonization is not just a political act, but also a profound psychological transformation that requires the oppressed to reclaim their identity and agency in order to dismantle the oppressive structures imposed by colonial powers.
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Jean-Jacques RousseauA prominent philosopher of the Enlightenment who believed that human beings are naturally good but are corrupted by society. He argued that in order to create a just society, individuals must come together to form a social contract, prioritizing the common good over personal interests, thus allowing for both freedom and equality among citizens.
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John DeweyHis philosophy emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, where education is seen as a dynamic process that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He believed that learning should be rooted in real-world experiences, encouraging students to engage actively with their environment and collaboratively shape their understanding of knowledge.
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John LockeA 17th-century English philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced political thought and modern democracy. He is best known for his theory of natural rights, which asserts that individuals are born with fundamental rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments are created to protect these rights, laying the groundwork for concepts of individual freedom and government accountability.
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Karl MarxHis philosophy revolves around the critique of capitalism and the idea of class struggle. He believed that society is divided into classes—the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production, and the proletariat, who sell their labor. Marx argued that this economic disparity leads to exploitation and conflict, ultimately advocating for a revolutionary change towards a classless society where resources are shared equitably.
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Leslie FeinbergA prominent activist and writer whose philosophical theories centered on the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and class, challenging traditional binaries and advocating for the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. Their influential work, particularly the novel "Stone Butch Blues," not only provided a voice for marginalized communities but also inspired broader discussions about identity politics and the importance of inclusivity within social justice movements.
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Mao ZedongA philosophy, often referred to as Maoism, emphasizes the importance of the peasant class in revolution and the necessity of continuous class struggle to achieve a communist society. Central to his beliefs is the idea that a revolutionary movement must be rooted in the experiences and needs of the rural population, advocating for agrarian reform and collective ownership as essential components of socialism.
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MontesquieuA French philosopher whose work, "The Spirit of the Laws," introduced the idea of the separation of powers in government, which suggests that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches should be distinct and operate independently to prevent tyranny. He believed that this division would create a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch could dominate the others, ultimately promoting liberty and justice within society.
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Nelson MandelaA philosophy centered on the belief that all individuals deserve equality and freedom, regardless of their race or background. He advocated for reconciliation and understanding, emphasizing that true democracy can only be achieved through mutual respect and cooperation among all people, which was crucial in his fight against apartheid in South Africa.
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Steve BikoA prominent anti-apartheid activist in South Africa, championed the philosophy of Black Consciousness, which emphasized the importance of self-awareness, pride, and unity among Black South Africans. He believed that liberation could only be achieved through a psychological awakening that encouraged individuals to recognize their worth and challenge the oppressive systems that sought to dehumanize them.
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Thomas HobbesA 17th-century philosopher best known for his social contract theory, which posits that individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of a ruler in exchange for protection and order. He believed that in the state of nature, humans are driven by self-interest and competition, leading to a "war of all against all," which necessitates a powerful central authority to maintain peace and prevent chaos.
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Thomas PaineA strong advocate for individual rights and democratic governance, believing that government should be based on the consent of the governed. He argued that it was not only a natural right but also a moral duty for people to challenge oppressive systems and strive for liberty, as expressed in his influential works like "Common Sense" and "The Rights of Man."
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Vladimir LeninHis philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual experience and personal truth, arguing that each person's perspective shapes their understanding of reality. He believes that by embracing our unique experiences, we can foster a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us, allowing for a more authentic way of living and engaging with others.
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VoltaireA prominent Enlightenment thinker, championed the idea of freedom of expression and criticized the established authority of religion and government. He believed that reason and rational thought should guide human actions, advocating for tolerance and the separation of church and state to promote individual liberties and social progress.
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W. E. B. Du BoisA prominent sociologist and civil rights activist who believed in the importance of higher education for African Americans, advocating for the "Talented Tenth," a leadership class that would uplift the entire community. He emphasized the need for political action and social change to combat racial discrimination, arguing that true equality could only be achieved through both intellectual advancement and active resistance against oppression.
