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.
Evolution and the Origin of Species: A Philosophical Inquiry into Nature's Grand Narrative By Benjamin Richmond The publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species in 1859 stands as a pivotal moment, not merely in the annals of biology, but in the entire history of...
The Enduring Dance: Oppositional Forces in Nature Summary: From the cosmic ballet of celestial bodies to the microscopic interactions within an atom, the universe is a symphony of oppositional forces. This article explores the profound principle that conflict and contrast are not merely incidental but fundamental to the very fabric...
The Universal Law of Change: Embracing the Immutable Flux of Existence Summary: At the core of existence lies an undeniable truth: everything changes. This article explores the profound philosophical concept of the Universal Law of Change, a fundamental principle observed throughout Nature and articulated by thinkers across millennia. From the...
The Enduring Riddle: How the Logic of Same and Other Governs Change Change is the most undeniable aspect of our existence, yet it presents one of philosophy's most profound logical puzzles: how can something change and still be itself? This article explores the fundamental logic of Same and...
The Unseen Architect: How Rhetoric Shapes Political Change Rhetoric, often dismissed as mere ornamentation or manipulative speech, plays a profoundly significant role in driving political change. Far from being a superficial art, it is the fundamental mechanism through which ideas are articulated, public opinion is forged, and the very structures...
The Enduring Riddle of Flux: Navigating the Philosophical Problem of Change and Becoming The very fabric of our existence seems to be in perpetual motion, yet we intuitively grasp a sense of enduring identity. This paradox lies at the heart of one of Philosophy's most profound and ancient...
The Unyielding Current: Understanding the Universal Law of Change Summary: From the ancient Greek philosophers to modern scientific inquiry, the concept of change stands as a fundamental, inescapable truth of existence. This article explores "The Universal Law of Change," delving into how thinkers like Heraclitus, Plato, and Aristotle...
The Ethical Consequences of Immortality: A Forever Burden? The dream of eternal life, a perpetual existence free from the specter of death, has captivated humanity for millennia. Yet, beneath the allure of immortality lies a complex web of ethical dilemmas that challenge our very understanding of purpose, progress, and what...
The Shifting Sands of Self-Governance: A Historical Journey Through Democracy's Evolution Democracy, as a concept and a form of government, is often celebrated as the pinnacle of human political aspiration. Yet, its history is far from linear, marked by profound change, adaptation, and often, existential struggle. From its...
The Enduring Paradox: Navigating the Logic of Elemental Change The question of how things change, particularly at their most fundamental level, has captivated philosophers since antiquity. This article delves into the logic of change in element, exploring the profound philosophical challenges posed by the transformation of the basic constituents of...
The Indispensable Spark: The Necessity of Courage in Revolution A Philosophical Examination of Transformative Change Summary: Revolution, whether political, social, or intellectual, represents a profound rupture with the established order, a daring leap into the unknown. This article argues that courage is not merely an admirable trait in such endeavors,...
The Shifting Sands of Right and Wrong: Understanding the Evolution of Moral Customs Moral customs, the unwritten rules that guide our collective behavior and define our sense of right and wrong, are not static decrees from on high. Instead, they are living, breathing constructs, constantly undergoing a subtle yet profound...
The Philosophical Basis of Revolution Revolution, at its core, is far more than a sudden, violent upheaval; it is a profound philosophical challenge to the existing order. From ancient dialogues on justice to Enlightenment treatises on natural rights, philosophy has consistently provided the intellectual scaffolding for understanding, justifying, and even...
The Physics of Change: A Philosophical Inquiry The world around us is a symphony of constant motion, an undeniable testament to the pervasive nature of change. Yet, how something can be and not be simultaneously has puzzled thinkers for millennia, forming a fundamental crossroads where philosophy and what we might...
The Evolving Idea of Progress: Deconstructing a Persistent Myth Summary: The scientific theory of evolution, a cornerstone of modern biology, describes a process of descent with modification driven by natural selection – a process of change. However, it is frequently, and mistakenly, conflated with the philosophical concept of progress, implying an...
