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 Relation Between Cause and Change and Relation

by Benjamin Richmond in Relation

The Unfolding Tapestry: Exploring the Relation Between Cause and Change The world around us is in perpetual motion, a dynamic interplay of events and transformations. At the heart of understanding this ceaseless activity lies a fundamental philosophical inquiry: the relation between cause and change. This essay delves into the profound...

The Ethics of The Ethical Consequences of Immortality

by Emily Fletcher in Ethics

Summary: The pursuit of immortality, long a staple of myth and science fiction, presents a profound array of ethical challenges that extend far beyond the mere extension of individual life. This article explores how a world without death would fundamentally reshape our understanding of life and death, ethics, personal identity,...

The Historical Change in Democracy and History

by Daniel Fletcher in History

From Agora to Algorithm: The Enduring Evolution of Democracy The concept of democracy, meaning "rule by the people," is often treated as a monolithic ideal. Yet, a deeper dive into history reveals a vibrant, often tumultuous, and profoundly transformative change in its very nature. Far from a static...

The Logic of Change in Element and Logic

by Daniel Sanderson in Logic

The Logic of Change in Element: An Enduring Philosophical Inquiry Summary: The concept of change, particularly concerning the fundamental constituents of reality—what we might call "elements"—has been a central preoccupation of philosophy since its inception. This article explores the logical frameworks employed to understand how things...

The Impact of Wealth on Family Structure and Wealth

by Benjamin Richmond in Wealth

The Enduring Nexus: Wealth, Family, and the Shifting Sands of Custom Wealth, far from being a mere economic metric, stands as a profound catalyst for change within the very fabric of the family unit. Its acquisition, distribution, and loss invariably challenge, reinforce, or entirely redefine established custom and convention, compelling...

The Necessity of Courage in Revolution and Necessity and Contingency

by Henry Montgomery in Necessity and Contingency

The Unyielding Spirit: Why Courage is the Bedrock of Revolution Revolutions, by their very nature, represent profound ruptures in the fabric of society, promising radical change often through tumultuous means. Such transformations are not born solely from intellectual dissent or economic grievance; they demand an indispensable, often overlooked, human quality:...

The Evolution of Moral Customs and Evolution

by Daniel Fletcher in Evolution

The Unfolding Scroll: Understanding the Evolution of Moral Customs Summary: Moral customs, far from being static decrees etched in stone, are dynamic constructs that undergo continuous transformation across cultures and epochs. This article explores the multifaceted Evolution of our ethical frameworks, examining how Custom and Convention are shaped by philosophical...

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 human Government is a tapestry woven with countless threads, but few are as prominent and enduring as the Monarchy. From the earliest tribal chiefs to the symbolic heads of state we see today, monarchy has shaped...

The Nature of Animal Evolution and Nature

by Emily Fletcher in Nature

The Unfolding Tapestry: Philosophical Reflections on the Nature of Animal Evolution The concept of Animal Evolution is not merely a scientific theory; it is a profound philosophical statement about the very Nature of existence, Change, and our place within a dynamic cosmos. From ancient inquiries into the essence of living...

The Philosophical Problem of Change and Philosophy

by Daniel Fletcher in Philosophy

The Enduring Riddle of Flux: Exploring the Philosophical Problem of Change The Philosophical Problem of Change is one of the most fundamental and persistent questions in the history of thought, challenging our understanding of reality, time, and the very nature of existence. From ancient Greece to contemporary metaphysics, philosophers have...

The Philosophical Basis of Revolution and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

The Philosophical Basis of Revolution: An Inquiry into Societal Transformation Revolution, often perceived as a chaotic rupture in the fabric of society, is in fact deeply rooted in philosophical discourse. It is not merely an act of violence or political upheaval, but a profound statement on the nature of justice,...

The Nature of Democracy and its Change and Nature

by Emily Fletcher in Nature

The Evolving Soul of Self-Governance: Understanding Democracy's Dynamic Nature Summary: Democracy, often lauded as the rule of the people, is far from a static ideal. Its very nature is one of constant evolution, a perpetual negotiation between individual liberty and collective good. From ancient Athenian assemblies to modern...

The Principle of Progress in History and Principle

by Daniel Fletcher in Principle

The Enduring Question of Progress in History Unpacking the Principle of Progress The notion that humanity, over the course of its long and often tumultuous existence, is inevitably moving towards a better state – be it morally, intellectually, or materially – is a powerful and persistent idea. This is what we might...

The Evolution of Beauty in Art and Evolution

by Benjamin Richmond in Evolution

The Evolving Canvas: Tracing Beauty's Journey Through Art and Philosophy Our understanding and representation of Beauty in Art have been in a constant state of Evolution and Change since humanity first picked up a chisel or brush. Far from a static ideal, the very essence of what we...

The Principle of Progress in Evolution and Principle

by Daniel Fletcher in Principle

The Principle of Progress in Evolution: A Philosophical Inquiry into Change and Direction Summary: The notion of a "Principle of Progress" within the grand narrative of Evolution has long captivated philosophical thought, often conflating mere change with an inherent, directional advancement. This article delves into the historical and...

The Physics of Change and Physics

by Daniel Sanderson in Physics

The Physics of Change: A Journey Through Becoming From the fleeting dance of a flame to the slow erosion of mountains, change is the most undeniable constant in our universe. But what is change, fundamentally? Is it merely an illusion, or the very essence of reality? This article delves into...

The Historical Cycles of Revolution and Revolution

by Henry Montgomery in Revolution

The Unfolding Tapestry of Power: Examining the Historical Cycles of Revolution This article delves into the enduring philosophical concept of historical cycles of Revolution, exploring how profound Change in Government has manifested across millennia, as illuminated by the wisdom found in the Great Books of the Western World. From ancient...

The Historical Evolution of Government Forms and History

by Daniel Sanderson in History

From Clans to Constitutions: A Philosophical Journey Through the Evolution of Government Forms The story of humanity is inextricably linked to the story of its governance. From the simplest tribal councils to the most complex nation-states, the forms of government have undergone a profound and continuous evolution, driven by changing...

The Dynamics of Change and Opposition in Nature and Change

by Daniel Sanderson in Change

The Unceasing Dance: Change and Opposition in Nature From the grand cosmic ballet to the subtlest biological processes, the natural world is a testament to constant flux, a relentless unfolding driven by an inherent dynamic of change and opposition. This article explores how ancient philosophical insights, particularly those found in...

The Role of Fate in History and Fate

by Benjamin Richmond in Fate

The Unseen Hand: Exploring the Role of Fate in History The grand narrative of human existence, meticulously chronicled as History, often appears as a tapestry woven by countless decisions, unforeseen circumstances, and the relentless march of time. Yet, beneath this surface of apparent agency and chaotic change, a profound philosophical...

The Theory of Evolution and Progress and Evolution

by Daniel Sanderson in Evolution

The Evolving Notion of Progress: Disentangling Science from Aspiration The theory of evolution, a cornerstone of modern science, often finds itself mistakenly conflated with the philosophical concept of progress. While both involve fundamental ideas of change and development over time, understanding their distinct natures is crucial for a robust philosophical...

Evolution and the Origin of Species and Evolution

by Benjamin Richmond in Evolution

Evolution and the Origin of Species: A Philosophical Odyssey The publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species in 1859 stands as one of the most pivotal intellectual events in human history, irrevocably altering not only our understanding of biology but also profoundly reshaping the landscape of...

Oppositional Forces in Nature and Opposition

by Benjamin Richmond in Opposition

The Unyielding Dance: Opposition as Nature's Core Principle Summary: The very fabric of existence, as observed in Nature, is not one of static harmony but of dynamic opposition. From the ancient insights of Heraclitus to the intricate workings of modern science, the Principle of conflicting forces is revealed...

Understanding Revolution as Political Change and Revolution

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Revolution

Understanding Revolution as Political Change Revolution, at its core, represents a profound and often violent form of political change, fundamentally altering the existing order of government and society. It is not merely an incremental adjustment but a radical break from the past, driven by deep-seated grievances and a vision for...

War and Peace as States of Existence and War and Peace

by Daniel Fletcher in War and Peace

War and Peace as Fundamental States of Existence: A Philosophical Inquiry Summary: War and Peace are often perceived as mere historical events or political conditions, yet a deeper philosophical examination reveals them to be profound states of existence, shaping not only societies but the very fabric of individual reality. Drawing...

The Problem of Change and Opposition and Problem

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Problem

The Enduring Riddle: Navigating the Problem of Change and Opposition Summary: The problem of change and opposition stands as one of philosophy's most ancient and persistent puzzles, challenging our fundamental understanding of reality, nature, and identity. From the shifting sands of Heraclitus's river to Parmenides'...

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 stand as cornerstones of philosophical inquiry, fundamental to our understanding of reality, existence, and the very nature of Change. From ancient Greek debates on the illusion of movement to modern physics' intricate...

The Connection Between History and Change and Connection

by Daniel Fletcher in Connection

The Indissoluble Connection: History, Change, and the Unfolding of Time The tapestry of existence is woven from threads of both permanence and flux, yet it is in the ceaseless dance of change that history finds its very definition. This article explores the profound and inherent connection between history and change,...

The Nature of Evolution and Progress and Nature

by Daniel Sanderson in Nature

The Unfolding Tapestry: Deconstructing the Nature of Evolution and Progress A Philosophical Inquiry into Change Itself Summary: The concepts of Nature, Evolution, and Progress are deeply intertwined, forming a complex philosophical landscape that challenges our understanding of existence and meaning. This article delves into how these ideas, particularly as explored...

The Logic of Same and Other in Change and Logic

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Logic

The Enduring Paradox: Navigating the Logic of Same and Other in Change How Can Anything Truly Change Yet Remain Itself? Summary: At the heart of existence lies a profound philosophical puzzle: how can something undergo change – becoming other than it was – while simultaneously retaining its sameness? This article delves into...

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