Definition

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.

1364 posts

The Logic of Quality and Definition and Logic

by Emily Fletcher in Logic

The Logic of Quality and Definition: Shaping Our Understanding Summary: In the grand tapestry of philosophical inquiry, the intertwining threads of Logic, Quality, and Definition form the very fabric of how we comprehend reality. This article explores how classical thought, particularly within the tradition of the Great Books of the...

The Logic of Universal and Particular and Logic

by Henry Montgomery in Logic

The Unshakeable Pillars of Thought: Decoding the Logic of Universal and Particular The very bedrock of coherent thought and effective reasoning rests upon our ability to distinguish between, and appropriately relate, the universal and the particular. This fundamental distinction, a cornerstone of logic explored deeply within the Great Books of...

The Philosophical Definition of Truth and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

Hello fellow seekers of wisdom! Emily Fletcher here, ready to dive into one of the most fundamental and fascinating concepts in philosophy: the very definition of truth. What does it truly mean for something to be true? This isn't just an academic exercise; our understanding of truth underpins...

The Distinction Between Quality and Quantity and Distinction

by Emily Fletcher in Distinction

Unraveling the Fabric of Reality: The Enduring Distinction Between Quality and Quantity The world around us, in all its perplexing beauty and intricate detail, can often feel like an overwhelming tapestry of information. How do we begin to understand it? For millennia, philosophers have grappled with fundamental categories of being,...

The Logical Structure of Definition and Logic

by Daniel Sanderson in Logic

The Logical Structure of Definition: Building Blocks of Thought Clear thinking is an edifice built upon the bedrock of precise language. At the heart of this foundation lies the definition – not merely a dictionary entry, but a fundamental tool of Logic and Reasoning. This article explores the classical structure of...

Logic and the Concept of Same and Other and Logic

by Benjamin Richmond in Logic

Logic and the Concept of Same and Other: Unpacking the Foundations of Thought Summary: At the heart of all rigorous thought lies the fundamental distinction between "same" and "other." This article explores how logic provides the essential framework for understanding these concepts, revealing them not as...

Defining the One and the Many and One and Many

by Henry Montgomery in One and Many

Defining the One and the Many: A Metaphysical Inquiry The philosophical problem of the One and the Many stands as one of the most enduring and fundamental inquiries in metaphysics, probing the very nature of reality itself. At its core, it asks: Is reality ultimately a unified whole, or is...

The Role of Mathematics in Defining Quantity and Mathematics

by Benjamin Richmond in Mathematics

The Unseen Architect: The Role of Mathematics in Defining Quantity Author: Benjamin Richmond Summary: Mathematics is not merely a tool for counting; it is the fundamental language and conceptual framework through which we apprehend, articulate, and define quantity in all its forms. From the discrete count of objects to the...

The Definition of Rhetoric and Definition

by Henry Montgomery in Definition

The Eloquent Truth: Deconstructing the Definition of Rhetoric Rhetoric, at its core, is the masterful art of employing language to persuade, inform, or motivate an audience. It is the systematic study and practice of effective communication, delving into how words, structure, and delivery can shape opinion and influence belief. While...

The Distinction Between Quality and Quantity and Quality

by Daniel Fletcher in Quality

The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Distinction Between Quality and Quantity From the ancient halls of Athens to the quantum laboratories of today, the distinction between Quality and Quantity has served as a bedrock of philosophical inquiry and scientific understanding. This article delves into these fundamental concepts, exploring their definition, historical...

The Definition of a Just War and Definition

by Daniel Fletcher in Definition

The Enduring Quest for a Just War: A Philosophical Definition The very phrase "just war" often strikes the modern ear as an inherent contradiction. How can the devastation, the suffering, and the profound disruption of War and Peace ever be considered just? Yet, for millennia, philosophers, theologians, and...

Defining Beauty in Abstract Art and Beauty

by Henry Montgomery in Beauty

Defining Beauty in Abstract Art: A Philosophical Inquiry The quest to define Beauty has captivated philosophers for millennia, a journey often complicated by the ever-evolving landscape of Art. When we turn our gaze to Abstract Art, the challenge intensifies. How does one pinpoint Beauty where traditional notions of representation and...

The Logic of Quality and Definition and Logic

by Emily Fletcher in Logic

The Precision of Thought: Navigating Quality and Definition through Logic In the sprawling landscape of philosophical inquiry, few concepts are as foundational yet as frequently overlooked as the intricate relationship between logic, quality, and definition. At its core, understanding what something is – its essence, its distinguishing characteristics, its very quality...

The Logic of Quantity and Measure and Logic

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Logic

The Unseen Architecture: Chloe Fitzgerald on the Logic of Quantity and Measure A Philosophical Foundation for 'How Much?' From the simplest act of counting apples to the intricate calculations of celestial mechanics, our world is permeated by quantity and measure. Yet, beneath the surface of everyday mathematics lies...

The Distinction Between Good and Evil and Distinction

by Emily Fletcher in Distinction

The Enduring Quest: Unpacking the Distinction Between Good and Evil The human experience is perpetually shadowed and illuminated by the concepts of good and evil. From ancient myths to modern ethics, philosophers have grappled with the fundamental distinction between these opposing forces, seeking not only to define them but to...

The Definition of Sign and Symbol and Definition

by Daniel Sanderson in Definition

The Echoes of Thought: Unpacking the Definition of Sign and Symbol The fundamental distinction between a sign and a symbol is not merely an academic exercise in semantics; it is a profound gateway into understanding how we perceive, process, and communicate ideas. At its core, a sign points directly to...

The Distinction Between Virtue and Vice and Distinction

by Daniel Sanderson in Distinction

The Enduring Distinction: Navigating Virtue and Vice In the grand tapestry of human thought, few concepts have captivated philosophers and common folk alike as profoundly as virtue and vice. These aren't just abstract ideas; they are the very bedrock upon which we evaluate character, actions, and the trajectory...

The Distinction Between Art and Poetry and Distinction

by Daniel Sanderson in Distinction

The Canvas of Words vs. The World of Forms: Unpacking the Distinction Between Art and Poetry While often intertwined and frequently beautiful, Art and Poetry possess fundamental distinctions that are crucial for a deeper appreciation of both. This article explores their core definitions, highlighting how their mediums, forms, and inherent...

The Definition of Courage and Definition

by Benjamin Richmond in Definition

The Enduring Question: What is the Definition of Courage? Courage, in its essence, is far more than simply the absence of fear; it is a complex and multifaceted virtue that has captivated philosophers from antiquity to the present day. To truly grasp its definition, we must delve into its intricate...

The Logic of Universal and Particular and Logic

by Henry Montgomery in Logic

Unraveling the Fabric of Thought: The Logic of Universal and Particular The bedrock of clear thinking, the very architecture of our understanding, rests upon fundamental distinctions. Among the most crucial of these, explored rigorously in the foundational texts of the Great Books of the Western World, is the interplay between...

The Distinction Between Matter and Quantity and Matter

by Daniel Fletcher in Matter

Beyond the Measurable: Unpacking the Philosophical Distinction Between Matter and Quantity In our everyday understanding, we often conflate the "stuff" of the world with its measurable attributes. A block of wood is just that – a block of wood, possessing a certain size and weight. Yet, for millennia, philosophers,...

The Definition of Life and Death and Definition

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Definition

The Elusive Dance: Defining Life and Death Across Epochs The very definition of life and death has perpetually captivated humanity, forming the bedrock of philosophical inquiry, scientific exploration, and our deepest understanding of nature. From ancient musings to modern biological breakthroughs, our attempts to delineate these fundamental states reveal not...

The Definition of Happiness and Definition

by Henry Montgomery in Definition

Unraveling the Elusive Definition of Happiness The quest to understand and attain happiness is perhaps the most enduring human endeavor, yet its very definition remains a source of profound philosophical debate. This article, drawing heavily from the venerable traditions preserved in the Great Books of the Western World, explores various...

The Philosophical Definition of Truth and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

The Philosophical Definition of Truth: An Enduring Enigma The quest for a definitive understanding of truth stands as one of the most fundamental and enduring pursuits in philosophy. Far from a simple dictionary entry, the philosophical definition of truth delves into the very nature of reality, language, and human knowledge....

The Definition of a Citizen and Definition

by Daniel Sanderson in Definition

The Elusive Definition of a Citizen: A Philosophical Journey What does it truly mean to be a citizen? This seemingly straightforward question unravels into a complex tapestry of historical context, philosophical debate, and evolving legal frameworks. From the ancient Greek polis to the sprawling modern state, the definition of a...

The Distinction Between Quality and Quantity and Distinction

by Emily Fletcher in Distinction

The human experience, in its profound complexity, often forces us to dissect the world into fundamental categories. Among the most enduring and illuminating of these philosophical tools is the distinction between quality and quantity. This isn't merely an academic exercise; it's a foundational lens through which...

The Distinction Between Pleasure and Happiness and Distinction

by Henry Montgomery in Distinction

The distinction between pleasure and happiness is a cornerstone of Western philosophy, profoundly shaping our understanding of the good life. While pleasure is typically fleeting, sensory, and often a relief from pain, happiness (or eudaimonia) represents a more enduring, profound state of flourishing, rooted in virtue, reason, and a life...

The Definition of Quality and Form and Definition

by Emily Fletcher in Definition

Unpacking Quality and Form: A Metaphysical Journey Welcome, fellow travelers on the path of inquiry! Today, we delve into two concepts that are not just pillars of philosophical thought but also fundamental to how we perceive and understand the world around us: Quality and Form. At first glance, they might...

The Distinction Between Aristocracy and Monarchy and Aristocracy

by Daniel Fletcher in Aristocracy

Sovereignty and Virtue: Unpacking the Distinction Between Aristocracy and Monarchy In the grand tapestry of political philosophy, few concepts are as foundational yet frequently conflated as Aristocracy and Monarchy. Both represent forms of Government where power is concentrated, but their underlying principles, ideals, and potential pitfalls diverge significantly. At its...

The Use of Logic in Defining the Soul and Logic

by Daniel Sanderson in Logic

The Logical Architecture of the Soul: A Philosophical Endeavor The quest to define the Soul has haunted humanity for millennia, a profound question tethered to our very understanding of existence, consciousness, and what it means to be human. While often perceived as a mystical or theological domain, the most rigorous...

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