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.
Logic and the Concept of Same and Other Our ability to navigate the world, to classify, to understand, and even to speak, rests upon a foundational logical distinction: that between the same and the other. This article explores how logic provides the indispensable framework for grasping these fundamental concepts, examining...
Defining the One and the Many: A Core Metaphysical Inquiry The philosophical problem of the One and Many stands as a foundational pillar in Metaphysics, challenging thinkers across millennia to reconcile the apparent unity of existence with its undeniable diversity. At its heart, this inquiry seeks a coherent Definition for...
The Soulful Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Art and Utility (Labor) At the heart of human endeavor lies a fascinating duality: our innate drive to create beauty, meaning, and expression, and our fundamental need to produce what is necessary for survival and flourishing. This article explores the profound distinction between...
The Logic of Definition and Essence: Unpacking the Bedrock of Thought In the grand tapestry of philosophical inquiry, few threads are as fundamental and intricately woven as the relationship between Logic, Definition, and Essence. To truly engage with the profound questions of existence, knowledge, and value, one must first possess...
The Logic of Quantity and Measure: Foundations from the Great Books Summary: This article delves into "The Logic of Quantity and Measure," exploring how ancient philosophers, particularly those featured in the Great Books of the Western World, laid the foundational logic for understanding quantity and its measurement. We...
The enduring human quest to understand the fundamental forces that shape our existence often leads us to the profound philosophical problem of defining and distinguishing between Good and Evil. This isn't merely an academic exercise; it touches the very core of our moral choices, our societal structures, and...
The Enduring Quest: Unpacking the Distinction Between Pleasure and Happiness From the fleeting delight of a sweet morsel to the profound satisfaction of a life well-lived, humanity has forever grappled with the nature of good. Yet, in our pursuit of what is desirable, a fundamental confusion often clouds our judgment:...
The cosmos, in its grand design, presents us with a fascinating hierarchy of being, and few distinctions are as profound and illuminating as that between the Angel and Man. From the earliest philosophical inquiries to the intricate theology of the medieval scholastics, understanding these two distinct forms of existence has...
The Enduring Quest for Definition: Unpacking Quality and Form The very bedrock of philosophical inquiry often begins with the simple yet profound act of definition. To understand anything, we must first attempt to articulate what it is. In the grand tapestry of philosophical thought, particularly within the annals of the...
The Unseen Blueprint: How Logic Shapes Our Definition of the Soul The soul remains one of philosophy's most enduring and elusive concepts, a profound mystery that has captivated thinkers across millennia. How do we approach something so seemingly intangible, so deeply personal, and yet so universally contemplated? The...
Unraveling the Threads: The Distinction Between Art and Science The human endeavor to understand and represent the world around us manifests in myriad forms. Among the most profound and enduring are Art and Science. While seemingly disparate, both are fundamental expressions of our innate curiosity and our quest for knowledge....
The Labyrinth of Knowing: Unpacking the Definition of 'Experience' Hey everyone, Chloe Fitzgerald here, ready to tackle one of those seemingly simple words that, upon closer inspection, reveals an entire universe of philosophical complexity: Experience. At first blush, it feels straightforward, doesn't it? Something we do,...
The Crown and the Chains: Deconstructing the Difference Between Monarchy and Tyranny Summary: At its core, the distinction between monarchy and tyranny lies not in the number of rulers, but in the purpose and method of their government. While both are forms of rule by a single individual, a monarchy,...
Unpacking Precision: The Logical Structure of Definition Summary: The ability to define with precision is not merely an academic exercise; it is the bedrock of clear thought and effective communication. At its heart, the logical structure of definition provides the essential framework for robust Reasoning, allowing us to delineate concepts,...