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.
The Intimate Dance: Exploring the Connection Between Desire and Pleasure The human experience is, in many fundamental ways, a perpetual oscillation between wanting and having, between anticipation and fulfillment. This article delves into the profound and often perplexing connection between desire and pleasure, examining how these two forces shape our...
The Enduring Quest: Defining Courage Through the Ages Courage, often mistaken for mere bravado or the absence of fear, is a deeply nuanced and profoundly important philosophical concept. Far from a simple act, its definition has been meticulously explored by thinkers from ancient Greece to the modern era, forming a...
The Heart of the Polis: Emotion's Enduring Sway in Political Opinion Political opinions, at first glance, often appear to be the product of careful deliberation, logical argument, and rational assessment of facts. However, a deeper look, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Great Books of the Western...
The Lyrical Resonance: Exploring the Art of Poetry and Emotion Poetry stands as one of humanity's most profound and enduring artistic expressions, a testament to our innate desire to capture, convey, and comprehend the vast spectrum of human experience. At its core, the art of poetry is inextricably...
The Psychological Basis of Emotion: A Journey Through the Human Psyche Summary: The essence of human experience is profoundly shaped by emotion. This article delves into the historical philosophical understanding of emotion's psychological underpinnings, drawing from the Great Books of the Western World. We explore how thinkers from...
The Heart of the Matter: How Emotion Shapes Our Experience of Beauty Our apprehension of beauty is rarely a purely intellectual exercise; it is, more often than not, a profound encounter deeply colored by emotion. Far from being a mere subjective byproduct, emotion plays a fundamental role in how we...
