Change

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.

1147 posts

The Historical Change in Democracy and History

by Daniel Fletcher in History

The Ever-Shifting Sands of Self-Governance: A Historical Journey Through Democracy's Evolution A Direct Look at Democracy's Dynamic Past Democracy, as a concept and a form of government, is not a static ideal but a living, breathing entity that has undergone profound change throughout history. From its...

The Logic of Change in Element and Logic

by Daniel Sanderson in Logic

The Ever-Shifting Fabric: Unpacking the Logic of Change in Element The world around us is a symphony of transformation. From the ephemeral flickers of a flame to the steady erosion of mountains, change is an undeniable constant. Yet, for millennia, philosophers have grappled not just with the observation of change,...

The Impact of Wealth on Family Structure and Wealth

by Benjamin Richmond in Wealth

The profound influence of wealth on the fundamental unit of society, the family, is a subject ripe for philosophical inquiry. Far from being a mere external factor, wealth acts as a powerful catalyst, reshaping internal dynamics, challenging long-standing customs and conventions, and driving significant change in how families are structured,...

The Necessity of Courage in Revolution and Necessity and Contingency

by Henry Montgomery in Necessity and Contingency

The Unwavering Heart of Transformation: The Necessity of Courage in Revolution Revolutions, those seismic shifts in the political and social landscape, are often analyzed through the lenses of economic disparity, ideological fervor, or the machinations of power. Yet, beneath these grand narratives, lies a more fundamental, often overlooked, prerequisite for...

The Evolution of Moral Customs and Evolution

by Daniel Fletcher in Evolution

The landscape of human morality, often perceived as an unyielding bedrock of eternal truths, is in fact a dynamic, ever-shifting terrain. This article explores the profound concept of "The Evolution of Moral Customs," tracing how our collective understanding of right and wrong, Virtue and Vice, has undergone continuous...

The History of Monarchy and History

by Daniel Sanderson in History

The Enduring Crown: A Philosophical Journey Through the History of Monarchy The story of humanity's governance is inextricably linked to the History of Monarchy. From its ancient origins as a practical solution for leadership to its modern role as a symbolic head of state, monarchy has been a...

The Philosophical Problem of Change and Philosophy

by Daniel Fletcher in Philosophy

The Unsettling Dance of Being: Grappling with the Philosophical Problem of Change The philosophical problem of change is one of humanity's oldest and most profound intellectual challenges, probing the very essence of reality and our perception of it. At its heart, it asks: How can something remain the...

The Nature of Animal Evolution and Nature

by Emily Fletcher in Nature

The Unfolding Tapestry: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Nature of Animal Evolution The story of life on Earth is one of continuous transformation, a grand narrative woven through countless millennia. When we speak of Animal Evolution, we are not merely discussing biological mechanisms, but delving into profound philosophical questions about...

The Philosophical Basis of Revolution and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

The Philosophical Undercurrents of Upheaval: Deconstructing Revolution Summary: Revolution, far from being a mere historical event, is a profound philosophical concept deeply embedded in the Western intellectual tradition. From ancient Greek inquiries into the cycles of governance to Enlightenment theories of natural rights and modern dialectical materialism, philosophers have grappled...

The Nature of Democracy and its Change and Nature

by Emily Fletcher in Nature

The Enduring Flux: Examining the Nature of Democracy and its Perpetual Change Democracy, far from being a static ideal, is a living, breathing entity whose fundamental nature is defined by its capacity for change. From its ancient Athenian origins to its myriad contemporary forms, the very essence of democratic government...

The Principle of Progress in History and Principle

by Daniel Fletcher in Principle

The Principle of Progress in History: Navigating Humanity's Unfolding Journey The notion that history is not merely a series of random events but rather an evolving narrative moving towards an improved state is one of the most compelling and enduring ideas in Western thought. This Principle of Progress,...

The Evolution of Beauty in Art and Evolution

by Benjamin Richmond in Evolution

The Shifting Canvas: A Philosophical Look at the Evolution of Beauty in Art The concept of beauty in art is not a static ideal, but a dynamic, ever-evolving construct that mirrors the change in human thought, culture, and philosophy. From the harmonious proportions revered by the ancients to the challenging...

The Principle of Progress in Evolution and Principle

by Daniel Fletcher in Principle

The Unfolding Tapestry: Embracing the Principle of Progress in Evolution Summary: The notion of "progress" within "evolution" often sparks vigorous debate, yet it remains a foundational "principle" for understanding much of Western thought on development and "change." This article explores the philosophical...

The Physics of Change and Physics

by Daniel Sanderson in Physics

The Unfolding Tapestry: Exploring The Physics of Change Grace Ellis here, ready to delve into a concept that underpins not just our understanding of the cosmos, but also our very experience of existence: The Physics of Change. From the ancient pre-Socratics to modern scientific inquiry, the fundamental Nature of how...

The Historical Cycles of Revolution and Revolution

by Henry Montgomery in Revolution

The Unending Wheel: Navigating the Historical Cycles of Revolution Revolutions, those tumultuous periods of profound societal upheaval, are often perceived as singular, chaotic ruptures in the fabric of History. Yet, a deeper examination, guided by the enduring wisdom of the "Great Books of the Western World," reveals a...

The Historical Evolution of Government Forms and History

by Daniel Sanderson in History

The Unfolding Tapestry of Governance: A Historical Evolution From the nascent stirrings of human community to the complex global structures of today, the forms of human government have undergone a perpetual process of evolution and change. This journey is not merely a chronicle of shifting power dynamics, but a profound...

The Dynamics of Change and Opposition in Nature and Change

by Daniel Sanderson in Change

The Ever-Shifting Balance: Change and Opposition in the Fabric of Nature Nature, in its profound and intricate complexity, is not a static tableau but a ceaseless dance of transformation. At the heart of this cosmic ballet lie the intertwined principles of change and opposition, fundamental dynamics that shape everything from...

The Role of Fate in History and Fate

by Benjamin Richmond in Fate

The Unseen Hand: Fate, Free Will, and the Grand Tapestry of History Our journey through the annals of human experience is perpetually shadowed by a profound question: are the great currents of history guided by an unseen hand of fate, or are they merely the cumulative result of countless individual...

The Theory of Evolution and Progress and Evolution

by Daniel Sanderson in Evolution

The Unfolding Tapestry: Evolution, Progress, and the Human Story The theory of evolution, a cornerstone of modern science, describes the gradual change in the inherited characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. Yet, its profound implications extend far beyond biology, sparking intense philosophical debates about the nature of Progress. This...

Evolution and the Origin of Species and Evolution

by Benjamin Richmond in Evolution

Evolution and the Origin of Species: A Philosophical Unveiling The publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin in 1859 wasn't just a scientific treatise; it was a philosophical earthquake that irrevocably changed our understanding of Nature, humanity's place within it, and the very...

Oppositional Forces in Nature and Opposition

by Benjamin Richmond in Opposition

The Indispensable Dance: Oppositional Forces in Nature From the grand cosmic ballet to the smallest cellular interaction, opposition is not merely a feature of nature but a fundamental principle that underpins all existence and drives every instance of change. Far from being a destructive anomaly, the interplay of opposing forces...

Understanding Revolution as Political Change and Revolution

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Revolution

Understanding Revolution as Political Change Revolution – the very word conjures images of upheaval, banners unfurled, and the dramatic overthrow of the old order. But beyond the visceral scenes of rebellion, revolution represents one of the most profound forms of political change, a fundamental reordering of power, society, and the very...

War and Peace as States of Existence and War and Peace

by Daniel Fletcher in War and Peace

War and Peace as States of Existence A Philosophical Inquiry into Our Fundamental Conditions War and Peace are often perceived as grand political phenomena, distinct periods in history marked by conflict or calm. Yet, from a deeper philosophical perspective, they transcend mere external events, manifesting instead as fundamental states of...

The Problem of Change and Opposition and Problem

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Problem

Navigating the Flux: The Enduring Problem of Change and Opposition From the ancient Greeks to modern thought, the Problem of Change and Opposition has profoundly challenged our understanding of Nature itself. How can anything truly be if it is constantly becoming something else, and how do seemingly irreconcilable opposites coexist...

The Philosophical Concept of Time and Motion and Philosophy

by Benjamin Richmond in Philosophy

The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Philosophical Concept of Time and Motion The concepts of Time and Motion are not merely facets of our physical reality; they are foundational pillars upon which much of Western Philosophy has been built. From the earliest inquiries into the nature of existence to the sophisticated...

The Nature of Evolution and Progress and Nature

by Daniel Sanderson in Nature

The Unfolding Tapestry: Deconstructing the Nature of Evolution and Progress Summary: This article delves into the profound philosophical distinction and intricate relationship between Evolution and Progress, two concepts often conflated but fundamentally different. While Evolution describes the ceaseless, amoral process of Change inherent in Nature, Progress represents a human-centric judgment...

The Logic of Same and Other in Change and Logic

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Logic

The Logic of Same and Other in Change The ubiquitous phenomenon of change presents one of philosophy's most enduring logical puzzles: how can something undergo transformation yet still be considered the same entity? This article explores the intricate logic of how we reconcile identity ("the Same"...

The Role of Rhetoric in Political Change and Role

by Benjamin Richmond in Role

The Eloquent Architect: The Enduring Role of Rhetoric in Political Change Summary: The art of rhetoric, far from being mere ornamentation, serves as a fundamental force in shaping political landscapes and driving societal transformation. From the ancient Greek agora to modern legislative chambers, rhetoric is the primary mechanism through which...

The Nature of Time in Evolution and Nature

by Henry Montgomery in Nature

The nature of time, a perennial enigma for philosophers, takes on a particularly profound dimension when examined through the lens of evolution. It is not merely a passive backdrop against which life unfolds, but an active, integral force that shapes the very fabric of existence, driving the relentless march of...

The Philosophical Problem of Change and Becoming and Philosophy

by Benjamin Richmond in Philosophy

The Philosophical Problem of Change and Becoming: A Timeless Inquiry This article delves into one of philosophy's most ancient and persistent puzzles: the nature of change and becoming. From the fiery pronouncements of Heraclitus to the intricate metaphysics of Aristotle, thinkers have grappled with how things can simultaneously...

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