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.
Unpacking the Nuance: The Profound Distinction Between Being and Existence We often use the terms "being" and "existence" interchangeably in everyday conversation, but within the rich tapestry of philosophy, drawing a clear distinction between them is not merely an academic exercise; it's fundamental to...
The Profound Chasm: Unpacking the Distinction Between Pleasure and Happiness The human experience is a tapestry woven with desires, aspirations, and a fundamental drive towards well-being. Yet, in our pursuit of a fulfilling existence, we often conflate two distinct, albeit related, states: pleasure and happiness. While both contribute to a...
The Metaphysical Divide: Distinguishing Angel from Human The contemplation of existence beyond the purely human has long fascinated philosophers and theologians alike. Central to this inquiry is the profound distinction between angel and man (human), a topic explored extensively in the Great Books of the Western World. At its core,...
The Enduring Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Art and Science Summary: The fundamental distinction between Art and Science lies primarily in their core aims, methods, and the nature of the Knowledge they seek to produce. While Science endeavors to objectively describe and explain the natural world through empirical evidence and...
Defining Beauty in Abstract Art Summary: Defining beauty in abstract art presents a unique philosophical challenge, diverging sharply from classical notions tied to mimesis and ideal forms. While traditional aesthetics often rooted beauty in objective definition through proportion, harmony, and representation, abstract art compels us to re-evaluate these parameters. This...
Navigating the Labyrinth: The Enduring Distinction Between Good and Evil The human experience is perpetually shaped by our attempts to understand, define, and navigate the profound distinction between good and evil. From ancient myths to contemporary ethical dilemmas, this fundamental dichotomy has challenged philosophers, theologians, and ordinary individuals alike. This...
