Duty

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.

1042 posts

The Ethics of The Ethics of Pleasure and Pain

by Emily Fletcher in Ethics

The Sweet and Bitter Symphony: Navigating the Ethics of Pleasure and Pain In the grand tapestry of human experience, few threads are as universally woven and yet as philosophically contentious as pleasure and pain. From the simplest sensation to the most profound emotional state, these twin forces shape our decisions,...

The Justice of Punishment in Law and Justice

by Benjamin Richmond in Justice

The Scales of Justice: Unpacking Punishment's Place in Law The very fabric of a civilized society rests upon its ability to administer justice. At the heart of this administration lies the complex and often contentious question of punishment. Why do we punish? What makes a punishment just? And...

The Role of Education in Instilling Duty and Education

by Daniel Sanderson in Education

In the intricate dance between individual liberty and societal cohesion, the concept of duty emerges as a pivotal force. This article posits that education is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but the fundamental crucible in which a profound sense of duty is forged, transforming individuals into responsible citizens who...

The Role of Prudence in Family Decisions and Prudence

by Emily Fletcher in Prudence

The Unseen Architect: Prudence in Family Decisions Summary: In the intricate tapestry of family life, where emotions often run high and futures intertwine, the virtue of prudence emerges as an indispensable guide. Far from mere cautiousness, prudence, or phronesis as the ancient Greeks understood it, is the practical wisdom that...

The Principle of Justice in War and Peace and Principle

by Benjamin Richmond in Principle

The Unyielding Pursuit: The Principle of Justice in War and Peace The question of justice, particularly amidst the crucible of conflict and the delicate architecture of peace, stands as one of humanity's most enduring and perplexing philosophical challenges. From the ancient city-states to the complexities of modern international...

Understanding The Ethical Dilemma of Lying (Truth and Sin)

by Emily Fletcher in Truth

The Ethical Labyrinth of Lying: Navigating Truth and Sin A Journey into Deception's Moral Landscape Lying, at its core, is a deliberate deviation from the truth. Yet, its ethical implications are anything but straightforward. From ancient moral codes to modern philosophical debates, the act of deception has consistently...

The Ethical Responsibility of the Citizen and Duty

by Henry Montgomery in Duty

The Weight of Conscience: The Ethical Responsibility of the Citizen Beyond Compliance: A Summary of Civic Duty The ethical responsibility of the citizen extends far beyond mere adherence to the law. It is a profound duty rooted in the very fabric of society, demanding active participation, critical thought, and a...

The Ethical Duty of Temperance and Ethical

by Henry Montgomery in Ethical

The Ethical Duty of Temperance: A Cornerstone of Human Flourishing Summary: In an age often characterized by excess and instant gratification, the ancient concept of temperance emerges not merely as a quaint suggestion for personal improvement, but as a foundational ethical duty. Drawing deeply from the wisdom enshrined in the...

The Nature of Courage in Civic Life and Nature

by Daniel Sanderson in Nature

The Nature of Courage in Civic Life: A Foundation for Flourishing Societies Summary: Courage, often first conceived as a virtue of the battlefield, takes on a distinct and profound nature when applied to civic life. This article explores how civic courage transcends mere bravery, becoming an indispensable virtue for the...

The Role of Will in Moral Action (Duty) and Role

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Role

The Indispensable Role of Will in Moral Action: A Journey Through Duty The will stands as the cornerstone of moral action, serving as the crucial faculty that translates abstract principles of good and evil into concrete duty-bound choices. This article explores the profound role of the will across philosophical traditions,...

The Ethical Duty of the Citizen and Duty

by Emily Fletcher in Duty

The Ethical Duty of the Citizen: Navigating Our Shared Moral Compass The ethical duty of the citizen is a cornerstone of any functional society, representing the moral obligations individuals hold towards their community, their government, and their fellow inhabitants. This pillar page explores the multifaceted nature of civic duty, delving...

The Role of Punishment in Maintaining Order and Punishment

by Emily Fletcher in Punishment

The Unyielding Hand of Order: Punishment's Enduring Role Summary: Punishment, far from being merely an act of retribution, stands as a fundamental pillar in the edifice of societal order. From ancient philosophical inquiries into justice to modern theories of state governance, the capacity and willingness of the State...

The Aristocratic Virtue of Honor and Aristocracy

by Daniel Sanderson in Aristocracy

The Enduring Echo of Honor: An Aristocratic Ideal The concept of honor has long been a cornerstone of human societies, particularly within systems of aristocracy. Far from being a mere social ornament, aristocratic honor represented a profound moral compass, a code of conduct deeply intertwined with one's identity,...

The Philosophical Role of the Citizen and Citizen

by Benjamin Richmond in Citizen

The Philosophical Role of the Citizen: More Than Mere Membership The concept of a citizen extends far beyond a simple legal designation or a passport holder. From the earliest stirrings of Western thought, philosophy has wrestled with the profound implications of what it means to be a member of a...

The Opposition of Virtue and Vice and Opposition

by Emily Fletcher in Opposition

The Eternal Tug-of-War: Understanding Virtue and Vice The very fabric of human moral experience is woven from the profound opposition between virtue and vice. This article delves into how philosophers, from antiquity to the modern era, have grappled with defining these contrasting forces, understanding their relationship to the broader concepts...

The Ethical Dimension of War and Peace and War and Peace

by Chloe Fitzgerald in War and Peace

The Ethical Dimension of War and Peace: Navigating Moral Imperatives in Conflict and Harmony The human story is inextricably linked to the grand narratives of conflict and the profound yearning for peace. Yet, beyond the clang of swords or the hushed negotiations of treaties, lies a deeply intricate tapestry of...

The Cause of Sin and Moral Error and Sin

by Daniel Fletcher in Sin

The cause of sin and moral error is a question that has vexed philosophers and theologians for millennia, a profound inquiry into the very nature of human agency and responsibility. Far from a simple answer, the great minds of Western thought, from Plato to Kant, have explored the intricate interplay...

The Ethical Responsibility of the Scientist and Science

by Daniel Fletcher in Science

The Ethical Responsibility of the Scientist The Inseparable Link Between Knowledge and Duty The relentless pursuit of Knowledge lies at the very heart of Science. From the earliest stargazers to modern geneticists, humanity has striven to understand the universe and its intricate workings. Yet, as history — and indeed, the foundational...

Honor, Courage, and the Military and Honor

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Honor

The Unseen Armor: Honor, Courage, and Duty in the Military Ethos The concepts of honor, courage, and duty form the bedrock of military service, shaping not just individual soldiers but the very fabric of societies. From the epic battlefields described by Homer to the profound ethical treatises of Aristotle and...

The Education of the Citizenry and Education

by Henry Montgomery in Education

The Education of the Citizenry: A Foundation for the Flourishing State The very bedrock of a stable and prosperous State is not its wealth, nor its military might, but the enlightened understanding and moral fortitude of its Citizenry. This article posits that Education is not merely a tool for individual...

The Citizen's Relationship to the State and Citizen

by Daniel Sanderson in Citizen

The Citizen's Relationship to the State: An Enduring Dialogue At the heart of political philosophy lies a fundamental question: What is the nature of the bond between the Citizen and the State? This isn't merely an academic exercise, but a living, breathing tension that shapes societies,...

Love as an Emotion and a Moral Duty and Love

by Daniel Sanderson in Love

Love's Dual Nature: Emotion and Moral Imperative Love, in its profound complexity, stands as a cornerstone of the human experience, simultaneously a spontaneous surge of emotion and a weighty moral duty. This article delves into the intricate interplay of these two facets, exploring how love manifests as an...

The Function of Punishment in Justice and Punishment

by Benjamin Richmond in Punishment

The Function of Punishment in Justice The role of punishment within the framework of justice is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex questions. Far from a simple act of retribution, punishment serves multiple functions, each debated and refined through centuries of philosophical inquiry, particularly within the foundational...

The Role of Habit in Moral Education and Habit

by Emily Fletcher in Habit

The Unseen Architect: How Habit Forges Moral Character in Education The journey of moral development is rarely a sudden revelation; more often, it is a steady accumulation of choices and actions, each one subtly shaping the contours of our character. At the heart of this process lies habit – not merely...

The Ethical Dilemmas of Immortality and Life and Death

by Daniel Fletcher in Life and Death

The Ethical Labyrinth of Endless Existence: Navigating Immortality's Moral Quandaries The yearning for Immortality is as old as humanity itself, a persistent whisper in the face of Life and Death. From ancient myths of gods and heroes to modern scientific quests for radical life extension, the dream of...

The Ethics of The Ethics of Life and Death Decisions

by Henry Montgomery in Ethics

The Profound Labyrinth: Navigating the Ethics of Life and Death Decisions The decisions surrounding life and death are arguably the most profound and ethically challenging humanity faces. From the sanctity of life to the relief of suffering, these dilemmas cut to the core of our values, beliefs, and understanding of...

The Connection Between Honor and Duty and Connection

by Henry Montgomery in Connection

The Inseparable Tapestry: Weaving Honor and Duty in the Fabric of Existence The human experience, in its most profound dimensions, is often illuminated by the interplay of fundamental moral principles. Among these, the connection between honor and duty stands as a bedrock, shaping individual character and societal structures across millennia....

The Ethics of The Ethics of Pleasure and Pain

by Emily Fletcher in Ethics

Navigating the Labyrinth: The Ethics of Pleasure and Pain The human experience is inextricably woven with the twin threads of pleasure and pain. From the simplest comforts to profound joys, from minor discomforts to debilitating suffering, these sensations color our existence. But for centuries, philosophers have grappled with a deeper...

The Aristocratic View of Education and Aristocracy

by Henry Montgomery in Aristocracy

The Cultivation of Excellence: Understanding the Aristocratic View of Education The aristocratic view of education, deeply rooted in the philosophical traditions of the Western world, posits that education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge or vocational skills, but primarily the cultivation of character, virtue, and the capacity for leadership...

The Justice of Punishment in Law and Justice

by Benjamin Richmond in Justice

The Justice of Punishment in Law: A Philosophical Inquiry The question of whether punishment, as meted out by the law, can ever truly be just is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex dilemmas. From the ancient Greek city-states to modern democracies, societies have grappled with the inherent...

The Role of Education in Instilling Duty and Education

by Daniel Sanderson in Education

The Role of Education in Instilling Duty Summary: Cultivating Conscientious Citizens Education stands as the bedrock upon which a robust sense of duty is formed within individuals, transforming them from mere inhabitants into responsible citizens. Far beyond the acquisition of facts, true education, as envisioned by many philosophers in the...

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