Political Theorists

Philosopher Islands Key Philosophers

These links are to help you understand your assigned philosopher and be prepared to argue his/her
viewpoint in your Philosopher Island: Meeting of the Minds. The following people will be
featured within your group. Print the person assigned to you and follow the directions below.

John Locke additional links: I

Plato additional links: I II
Machiavelli summary of the Prince
Thomas Hobbes
Henry David Thoreau additional info: I Bio Civil Disobedience
Mussolini additional info: I Fascism
Jean Jacques-Rousseau additional info: I II
Queen Elizabeth

Discussion Format:
Instructions for Prep and Discussion Format:
A.) Each student comes in prepared by completing the following for homework :
1. Carefully read your assigned philosopher information sheet and answer
the questions embedded in the reading
2. Complete the Philosopher Matrix sections for your philosopher
In class you will:
C.) On the Day of Philosopher Island, the class will be split into 3-4 groups.
D.) Discussions begins with students teaching the ideas of their philosopher and each group member is responsible for filling out their
Philosopher Matrix.
E.) Students will then decide which philosophers ideas will best solve a series of issues plaguing Philosopher Island. These issues will be
provided by your teacher.
F.) After each issue is discussed, the group will respond to the question and record it. The teacher will ask a pair from each group to come
up and explain their answer. The pairs will rotate after each set of issues.

Niccolo
Machiavelli

14691527

Hobbes

15881679

Jean Jacques
Rousseau

17121778

Benito
Mussolini

18831945

Henry David
Thoureau

18171862

Queen
Elizabeth

15331603

Plato

429347B.C.E.

John Locke

16321704

Wins _____

Losses_____