Something to Prove is an introduction to philosophy and the practice of community of inquiry (COI). Researched and written specifically for young adults and their teachers, it pokes an exploratory finger into the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, political ideology, formal reasoning, ethics, culture, freedom, and more. The book employs contemporary story-telling techniques, informal language, […]
Category: Freedom
Make it Freedom
This short propaganda cartoon pushes for freedom, and against isms. The clip is valuable in that it presents, in an accessible way, some of the more frequently used arguments that bear on the subject of freedom… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzwqqlzE_Eg
The Consolation of Philosophy
This book was written by Boethius, a man condemned to death for an apparently unjust charge of treason. Although a Christian, Boethius consoled himself with the tenets of Greek philosophy. It is still useful for anyone wanting practical advice in the face of life’s challenges. It is widely renowned as a great work of literature. […]
An Introduction to Political Philosophy by Colin Bird
Title: An Introduction to Political Philosophy Editor: Colin Bird Publisher: Cambridge ISBN: 9780521544825 Each chapter of this book looks at an important issue in political philosophy. Some of the issues discussed (and, hence some of the chapters, are more accessible than others. Teachers could use this book to come to terms with the major issues […]
Political Philosophy
Title: Political Philosophy Editor: Anthony Quinton Publisher: Oxford University Press This book presents a series of political philosophical essays. Most of the essays are pitched at a high level; they are, therefore, only really suitable for older students. Quinton’s introduction to the book (pgs 1-8) provides a useful (but heavy-going) overview of what political philosophy […]
An Introduction to Political Philosophy by Jonathan Wolff
Title: An Introduction to Political Philosophy Author: Jonathan Wolff Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780199296095 This book offers a clear overview of some of the main issues in political philosophy. It is written and structured in such a way that it is accessible without being unintelligent or inaccurate. Teachers might use the book to familiarise […]
Censorship
John Stuart Mill in On Liberty, chapter two, argues that we should never censor ideas, either true or false. This is a complex section and will require teaching assistance for older students to understand the language Mill uses, but the ideas are simple to understand and consider further.
Attack on Freedom of Speech NZ
Wiki news site describing why some critics have claimed the amendment to the Electorate Finance Act curbs our liberties to speech because individuals and groups of kiwis will face restrictions on what they can say for or against a political party. Is this an attack on freedom of speech?
Freedom of Speech in NZ historically
Philosophy Resource Managing | Home This site describes the freedom of speech laws, or lack thereof, in NZ historically and as such provides a useful background information for students discussing freedom of speech as an ethical or political topic.
Freedom of Speech an Introduction
This is a very useful, although slightly technical, website to look at the main reasons why we care about freedom of speech and the main defense thereof, by John Stuart Mill. Subsequent sections look at why offense, not direct harm, can itself be a reason to curb our liberties to speech as we choose.