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 Ethics of Slavery and Labor: A Philosophical Inquiry The concepts of slavery and labor, while seemingly distinct in contemporary discourse, are profoundly intertwined in the history of human civilization and philosophical thought. This pillar page delves into the complex ethics surrounding human bondage and the nature of work, tracing...
The Ethics of Desire: Navigating the Labyrinth of Human Aspiration A Précis on Desire's Moral Compass Human existence is inextricably linked to desire. From the most fundamental urges for sustenance to the loftiest aspirations for truth and beauty, our lives are driven by what we want. But what...
The Ethics of Punishment: A Philosophical Inquiry The act of punishment, ubiquitous across societies and throughout history, forces us to confront fundamental questions about justice, ethics, and the very fabric of law. Why do we punish? What gives us the right? And what constitutes a just punishment? These aren'...
The Intricate Dance of Delight and Distress: Navigating the Ethics of Pleasure and Pain The human experience is undeniably shaped by the twin forces of pleasure and pain. From the simplest sensory gratification to the profound joy of accomplishment, and from fleeting discomfort to debilitating suffering, these sensations guide our...
The Ethics of Constitutional Law: A Philosophical Inquiry Summary Constitutional law, far from being a mere technical framework, stands as a profound ethical enterprise, grappling with the fundamental questions of justice, power, and human flourishing. This article explores how a society's Constitution embodies its deepest moral commitments, drawing...
The Enduring Question: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Immortality The allure of eternal life has captivated humanity since time immemorial, a recurring dream woven into myths, religions, and now, scientific aspirations. Yet, beneath the shimmering promise of endless days lies a complex web of ethical dilemmas that demand our rigorous...
The Ethics of Slavery and the State A Profound Examination of Power, Personhood, and Justice Slavery, in its myriad forms, represents one of humanity's most enduring and egregious ethical failures. This article delves into the intricate relationship between the institution of slavery and the State, exploring how political...
The Ethical Crucible: Navigating the Distribution of Wealth The question of how wealth should be distributed is not merely an economic puzzle; it is, at its core, a profound ethical dilemma that has plagued societies and philosophers for millennia. From ancient city-states to modern global economies, the uneven accumulation and...
The Enduring Ethical Labyrinth of Punishment and Law The very fabric of human society, from the ancient polis to the modern nation-state, is woven with the threads of law and the shadow of punishment. Yet, beneath the seemingly straightforward need to maintain order lies a profound and perpetually contested ethical...
The Ethical Tug-of-War: Navigating Temperance and Desire Summary: In the grand tapestry of human experience, few threads are as intricately woven as our desires and the ethical imperative to temper them. This article delves into how philosophers, from ancient Greece to the medieval era, explored Temperance as a cardinal virtue—...
The Enduring Shadow: Unpacking the Ethics of Slavery and Family Slavery, an institution that has marred human history for millennia, presents one of the most profound and disturbing challenges to our understanding of ethics. When we consider its impact on the fundamental unit of human society—the family—the moral...
The Enduring Question: Navigating the Ethics of Pleasure and Pain From the earliest philosophical inquiries to our contemporary moral dilemmas, the role of pleasure and pain in ethical decision-making has been a persistent and often contentious subject. Is pleasure the ultimate good, the guiding star for a well-lived life? Or...
The Moral Compass of the Supreme Law: Navigating the Ethics of Constitutional Law At its core, constitutional law is far more than a mere set of rules governing a state; it is a profound philosophical declaration, an attempt to codify a society's highest aspirations for justice, order, and...
The Endless Horizon: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Immortality The dream of overcoming death, of living forever, has captivated humanity since time immemorial. From ancient myths to modern science fiction, Immortality is often presented as the ultimate triumph over finitude. Yet, beneath the allure of endless existence lies a profound...
The Indelible Stain: Examining the Ethics of Slavery and the State A Philosophical Scrutiny of Unfreedom and Governance The institution of slavery, in its various abhorrent forms, has plagued human societies for millennia, often sanctioned and enforced by the very powers meant to uphold order and justice: the State. This...
The Enduring Dilemma: A Philosophical Examination of Slavery, Labor, and Justice The relationship between slavery, labor, and justice forms one of the most enduring and agonizing ethical quandaries in human history. From ancient chattel slavery to modern forms of exploitation, the philosophical underpinnings of forced work, fair compensation, and human...
The Ethics of Pleasure and Pain: A Philosophical Journey Through Desire and Duty This article delves into the profound and often contradictory ways philosophers, particularly those whose works comprise the Great Books of the Western World, have grappled with the ethical dimensions of pleasure and pain. From ancient hedonistic pursuits...
The Ethics of Desire: A Perennial Inquiry into Human Motivation From the primal stirrings of our deepest needs to the loftiest aspirations of the spirit, desire stands as a fundamental engine of human experience. But what, precisely, is the moral compass guiding this powerful force? This article delves into "...
The Ethical Dimension of War and Peace: A Philosophical Inquiry Navigating the Labyrinth of Conflict and Conscience War and peace are not merely historical or political phenomena; they are profoundly ethical challenges that have preoccupied philosophers for millennia. This article delves into the intricate moral landscape of human conflict and...
