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Philosophy Morgan: Using the Web

Research Guide for Prof. Morgan's Philosophy Classes

Domain Names

Limiting  your search to specific domains (.edu or .gov) can remove some of the less reputable websites from your Google searches. 

.com - commercial or business

.edu - educational institution

.org - organization (often non-profit)

.gov - government organization

Google Advanced Search

When searching Google, you can click on the little gear symbol to access "Advanced Search." You can use Advanced Search functions to eliminate some of the "trash" from your search results. 

Try these Google Advanced Search Tips and Tricks

Selected Websites

Resources

Online Periodicals

  • Philosophic Exchange: The Center for Philosophic Exchange was established in 1969 to conduct a continuing program of philosophical inquiry relating to both academic and public issues.  In 2013, the Center transformed the journal into an online, open-access journal, which is freely available to everyone through Digital Commons@Brockport.

Philosophy Websites

  • The Stone (New York Times): A forum for contemporary philosophers and other thinkers on issues both timely and timeless. 
  • Ask Philosophers:  AskPhilosophers aims to put the skills and knowledge of trained philosophers at the service of the general public. If you have a question that you think is in some way philosophical or relates to philosophy, feel free to ask a question. 
  • Wi-Phi: Wi-Phi's mission is to introduce people to the practice of philosophy by making videos that are freely available in a form that is entertaining, interesting and accessible to people with no background in the subject.

Evaluating Web Pages

Whenever you are considering using a website as a source, it is very important that you review the contents in detail. An easy way to make a determination is to use Jim Kapoun's Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages:

  1. Accuracy - Can you find an actual author? Is the contact information provided correct? 
  2. Authority - Does the author have any credentials? Have they conducted any research? What makes them an expert? 
  3. Objectivity - Is the information biased? Are they linked to other organizations (especially commercial)? 
  4. Currency - When was the last update to this website? 
  5. Coverage - How in depth is the material? Is it basic, informative information you can get anywhere else?

There are many other resources to evaluate web pages. One of the more interesting examples is CSU Chico's CRAAP Test.