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Political Philosophy

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Philosophy – Ellul, The Technological Society
Jacques Ellul was a thinker deeply occupied with thoughts and reflections surrounding the immersion of individuals into an increasingly technocratic society.
Philosophy – Adorno, The Culture Industry
The Culture Industry is a must-have text for those interested in political philosophy and cultural studies. Theodor Adorno provides excellent food for thought.
Philosophy: Guy Debord, Society of the Spectacle
Guy Debord, one of the main figures in Situationist International, had much to say about the hypnotic and insidious power of the spectacle in modern society.
Real World Philosophy
The truth is, philosophy shows up in daily life. People can find it used in the workplace, through religion and at home, when parenting.
Philosophy – Study Roland Barthes, Mythologies
Roland Barthes' "Mythologies" takes structuralist argument of linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, crafts it into a critical lens through which to critique social messaging.
The Differences Between Hobbes and Locke
John Locke was a near descendant of Thomas Hobbes, but they certainly didn't share the same political opinions and ideals. They had many conflicts and differences.
Barthes – Left Wing Myth vs. Right Wing Myth
In his most widely read volume, Mythologies, semiotician and philosopher Roland Barthes discusses the usage of political myth by left wing and right wing ideologues.
Barthes – The Mythic Form, How to Read a Myth
When it comes to reading mythical language or deciphering the meaning of myth, Roland Barthes postulates three categories of thought, avenues of analysis.
Sociology Theory 101 – Social Stratification
Social stratification exists in contemporary society under the social class system - from poor to rich and with varying degrees in between.
What is the Difference Between Sex and Gender?
Understanding the difference between sex and gender is crucial to developing a greater comprehension of social theory, feminist theory, and sexual norms and values.
Sociology, Philosophy – Marxist Conflict Theory
Karl Marx was a highly influential sociologist and political scientist responsible for Conflict Theory as well as The Communist Manifesto, along with Friedrich Engels.
Philosophy – Subcultures, Aesthetics, Punk Rock
In reading Dick Hebdige's "Subculture: The Meaning of Style," students of philosophy encounter the themes of alienation, incorporation, denial of the punk subculture.
Sociology – Cooley's "The Looking Glass Self"
The looking-glass self is a popular theory within the sociological field known as symbolic interactionism. It explains a formation of self-image via reflection.
Marx's Superstructure and Levels of Society
Marx believed that society is shaped by the dominant capitalist class, the owners of production, but that the lower classes will eventually start a revolution.
Hegel's Spirit and Marx's Philosophy of Action
Hegel has influenced several aspects of Karl Marx's political and social theory; however, Marx disagreed with Hegel on some crucial points.
Sociology – Robert Merton's Social Strain Theory
Strain theory is commonly discussed in criminology and sociology as well as other humanities in order to understand anomie, resistance of the status quo, and deviance.
Presidential Freedom Quotes
Great quotes on the ideals of freedom and liberty by seven American leaders from George Washington to Barack Obama.
Hobbes' Hostile Universe
Thomas Hobbes presented a universe where, without an absolute political authority, every human being would exist in a state of constant war against all others.
Moral Crisis & Problems With Modern Capitalism
The financial crisis has laid bare the pitfalls of modern capitalism. The current generation is dangerously close to losing forever a sense of values, of a moral code.
Can Capitalism Ever Be Environmentally Friendly?
Capitalism is a worldwide system of never-ending growth and profits, but at what cost to the environment? Can Capitalism and Conservation ever co-exist?
The Modern Era versus Past Charms
A growing sector of people seem to be turning to past eras in preference to modern culture. How might Critical Theory explain what people seek in the charms of the past?
The Future of Capitalism
The increasing privatisation of public and political interest necessitates a change in politico-economic ideology.
Early Thinkers' Ideas on Justice in Politics
Martin Luther King, Jr, Rousseau, Hobbes, Plato. Different philosophy, same subject. Who is right?
The Social Contract Tradition
The social contract has become a hallmark of government in more recent centuries; here's a history and explanation of this significant and important political tradition.
The Will of the People in Politics
Many politicians and others have used the phrase 'the will of the people' but few really understand its deeper meaning. Here is an exploration of this political phrase.