The Great Books of the Western Canon, organized by Mortimer J. Adler in the Syntopicon, span 102 enduring ideas—ranging from Truth, Beauty, and Justice to Democracy, Love, and God. These categories trace the intellectual tradition of the West, connecting philosophy, literature, history, science, and theology. Together, they map the recurring questions and principles shaping human thought across centuries.
The Measured Life: Temperance as the Foundation of Health In an age often defined by excess and instant gratification, the ancient virtue of temperance offers a powerful, enduring framework for cultivating not just moral character, but also profound physical and mental well-being. This article explores temperance, not merely as an...
The Dual Nature of Existence: Unpacking the Experience of Pleasure and Pain Summary: The experience of pleasure and pain is arguably the most fundamental aspect of sentient existence, deeply intertwining with our sense of self and our physical body. From the earliest philosophical inquiries to modern thought, understanding these powerful...
Of Delight and Discomfort: A Philosophical Inquiry into Pleasure and Pain The twin forces of pleasure and pain are perhaps the most fundamental and immediate aspects of human experience. From the earliest stirrings of consciousness, our lives are shaped by their presence and absence, guiding our choices, informing our values,...
Medicine and the Maintenance of Life: A Philosophical Inquiry Medicine, at its core, is often perceived as the practical science of healing the sick and mending the broken. Yet, to confine it merely to the clinic or the laboratory is to overlook its profound philosophical dimensions. This article delves into...
The Enduring Enigma: The Mind-Body Problem in Modern Science Unraveling the Knot of Consciousness and Matter The mind-body problem, that ancient philosophical conundrum concerning the relationship between our subjective conscious experience and the physical body—specifically the brain—remains one of the most profound and persistent challenges at the intersection...
The Subtle Yet Profound Distinction Between Body and Matter The philosophical landscape is rich with concepts that, at first glance, appear synonymous but, upon deeper inspection, reveal critical differences. Among these, the distinction between body and matter stands as a foundational pillar in Western thought, particularly as explored within the...
The Enigma of Our Embodiment: Unpacking the Philosophical Problem of the Body The body is the most intimate aspect of our existence, yet it presents one of philosophy's most persistent and perplexing challenges. This article delves into "The Philosophical Problem of the Body," exploring how thinkers,...
The Enduring Enigma: Deconstructing the Matter of the Body From the earliest philosophical inquiries to the cutting edge of modern science, the matter of the body has presented one of humanity's most persistent and profound mysteries. This supporting article delves into the rich intellectual history of how thinkers,...
The Measured Life: Temperance as the Foundation of Health Summary: In an age of excess and instant gratification, the ancient virtue of temperance offers a profound, yet often overlooked, path to holistic well-being. Far from mere abstinence, temperance, as understood by the great philosophers, is the harmonious ordering of desires...
Beyond Flesh and Spirit: The Enduring Philosophical Idea of the Body and Soul The question of what constitutes a human being – whether we are merely complex biological machines or possess an immaterial essence – has been a cornerstone of philosophy for millennia. This article delves into the profound and evolving idea...
The Intricate Dance: Exploring the Mechanics of the Body and Life The human body, in its astounding complexity, has long been a canvas for philosophical inquiry. Far from being a mere biological machine, its mechanics—the intricate systems of physics that govern its operation—are inextricably linked to our understanding...
The Experience of Pleasure and Pain: A Philosophical Inquiry Pleasure and pain are not merely fleeting sensations; they are fundamental, deeply interwoven threads in the tapestry of human existence, acting as primal guides that shape our perceptions, decisions, and very understanding of what it means to live. From the earliest...
The question of the body and soul stands as one of the most enduring and profound inquiries within philosophy. From ancient Greece to contemporary thought, thinkers have grappled with the nature of consciousness, identity, and existence by examining the relationship between our physical form and our non-physical essence. This article...
The human form, a marvel of complexity and resilience, has long captivated the philosophical mind. From the intricate dance of its cellular components to the grand symphony of its organ systems, the body operates with a precision that invites analogies to the most sophisticated machines. This article delves into the...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Distinction Between Body and Soul The question of whether we are merely physical beings or if an immaterial soul coexists with or animates our body is one of philosophy's oldest and most profound inquiries. This article explores the historical distinction between body and...
Unpacking the Fundamentals: The Essential Distinction Between Body and Matter In the vast landscape of philosophical inquiry, clarity is our compass. Few distinctions are as foundational, yet as frequently conflated, as that between "body" and "matter." While often used interchangeably in everyday speech, philosophy, especially drawing...
The Enigma of Embodiment: Unraveling the Philosophical Problem of the Body The Philosophical Problem of the Body delves into one of humanity's most intimate and perplexing relationships: our connection to our physical form. Far from a mere biological container, the body presents a profound challenge to our understanding...
