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 Unfolding Tapestry: Examining the Principle of Progress in History A Journey Beyond Mere Change The concept of progress in history is one of the most compelling and contentious ideas in human thought, a principle that posits an underlying directionality to the human story. It suggests that the vast sweep...
The concept of Beauty in Art is not a static ideal, but a dynamic, ever-shifting landscape that reflects the intellectual, spiritual, and social currents of its time. From the harmonious proportions celebrated by the ancient Greeks to the challenging abstractions of the modern era, the very definition of what constitutes...
The Enduring Principle: Oppositional Forces in Nature The universe, in its grand, intricate dance, is not merely a collection of isolated phenomena but a vibrant tapestry woven from the ceaseless interplay of opposing forces. From the cosmic scale to the subatomic, and from the grand narratives of geological transformation to...
The Shifting Sands of Self-Governance: A Philosophical Journey Through Democracy's Evolution Democracy, as a concept and a form of government, has rarely stood still. From its ancient origins to its contemporary iterations, its history is a testament to constant change, adaptation, and re-evaluation. This pillar page embarks on...
The Enduring Logic of Change in Element: From Ancient Physics to Modern Inquiry The concept of change is perhaps the most fundamental and perplexing aspect of our reality. How does something become something else? What endures, and what is truly new? This article explores the philosophical journey of understanding elemental...
The Impact of Wealth on Family Structure: A Philosophical Inquiry Summary: Wealth, a perpetual subject of philosophical discourse, profoundly reshapes the fundamental institution of the family. Far from being a neutral force, it acts as a powerful catalyst for change, challenging established custom and convention and redefining the very fabric...
The Unyielding Resolve: The Necessity of Courage in Revolution Summary: The Indispensable Spark of Change Revolution, often perceived as a grand, inevitable force of historical progression, is in truth a deeply human endeavor, contingent upon the individual and collective will to act. This article argues that courage is not merely...
The Shifting Sands of Right and Wrong: An Exploration of Moral Customs Summary: Moral customs are not immutable decrees etched in stone, but rather dynamic constructs that evolve over time, shaped by societal changes, philosophical discourse, technological advancements, and shifting understandings of human nature. This article delves into the philosophical...
The Enduring Crown: A Philosophical Journey Through the History of Monarchy The story of Government is, in large part, the History of Monarchy. From the earliest tribal chieftains to the constitutional monarchs of today, this ancient form of rule has shaped civilizations, defined power, and profoundly influenced human societies. This...
The Unfolding Tapestry: Exploring the Nature of Animal Evolution Summary: The concept of Animal Evolution is more than a biological theory; it is a profound philosophical statement about the Nature of existence itself. This article delves into how the continuous process of Change within the Animal kingdom challenges and enriches...
The Enduring Riddle: Unpacking the Philosophical Problem of Change The world, as we experience it, is in constant flux. From the gentle erosion of mountains to the relentless march of technological progress, change is an undeniable aspect of our reality. Yet, beneath this apparent obviousness lies one of the most...
The Philosophical Basis of Revolution: When Ideas Ignite Change The concept of revolution, far from being a mere historical event, is deeply rooted in philosophical inquiry. It compels us to confront fundamental questions about justice, governance, and the very nature of human society. This article explores the philosophical underpinnings that...
The Ever-Evolving Polis: Unpacking the Nature of Democracy and its Change Summary: Democracy, often hailed as the ideal form of government, is far from a static concept. Its nature has been debated and redefined across millennia, from its ancient Athenian origins to its complex modern manifestations. This article explores the...
The Unfolding Tapestry: How History Weaves the Fabric of Change Summary: History is not merely a chronicle of past events but the very engine and record of change. This article explores the profound connection between these two fundamental forces, demonstrating how time acts as the medium through which societal structures,...
The Relentless March: Unpacking the Nature of Time in Evolution Summary: The conventional understanding of Time as a linear progression of moments often obscures its profound and dynamic role in the grand tapestry of Evolution. Beyond mere chronology, Time in the context of biological Change is a creative force, a...
The Philosophical Problem of Change and Becoming By Benjamin Richmond The universe we inhabit is undeniably in flux. From the fleeting moments of our daily lives to the grand cosmic ballet of stars and galaxies, change seems to be the very fabric of existence. Yet, beneath this apparent dynamism lies...
The Universal Law of Change: A Constant Flux in Being Summary: Embracing the Inevitable Current of Existence At the heart of philosophical inquiry lies the enduring puzzle of change. This article explores "The Universal Law of Change," positing that flux is not merely an incidental feature of reality,...
The Indissoluble Knot: Cause and Change The philosophical inquiry into the relation between cause and change stands as one of the most enduring and fundamental investigations in Western thought. At its core, this exploration seeks to understand how one event or state of affairs brings about another, and how this...