In Locke, Science and Politics (Cambridge University Press), Steven Forde, political science professor, explores how the philosophy of John Locke, which served as the basis for American government and society and the Declaration of Independence, was shaped by modern science.

Issues include whether individuals have duties to society as well as rights, whether a god is necessary to support morality and what type of education is appropriate for citizens living in societies.

"Locke's philosophy is supremely important for understanding the society we live in," says Forde, who received a National Endowment for the Humanities grant for the project.