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 Enduring Enigma of Sin and Moral Judgment: A Philosophical Inquiry The concepts of sin and moral judgment form the bedrock of human ethical thought, shaping our understanding of good and evil, personal responsibility, and societal order. From ancient myths to modern legal codes, humanity has grappled with defining transgressions...
The Enduring Quest: Unraveling Happiness and the Good Life The pursuit of happiness is arguably the most fundamental human endeavor, a thread weaving through the tapestry of philosophy from antiquity to the present day. This article explores how different philosophical traditions, particularly those found within the Great Books of the...
Chains of Conscience: Unraveling the Ethics of Slavery and Human Labor The history of humanity is, in many respects, a history of labor – and tragically, a history of slavery. From ancient city-states to colonial empires, the subjugation of one person by another for forced labor has been a pervasive, deeply...
The Eternal Question: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Immortality The dream of overcoming Life and Death has captivated humanity since time immemorial. From ancient myths of ambrosia and elixirs to modern biotechnological aspirations, the quest for Immortality remains a potent, if often unexamined, yearning. Yet, as we stand on the...
The Enduring Idea: Navigating Good and Evil in the Tapestry of Religion Summary: The Primal Dichotomy of Faith The concepts of Good and Evil stand as foundational pillars in nearly every religious and philosophical system known to humanity. This article delves into the profound Idea of Good and Evil within...
The Enduring Conundrum: Navigating the Problem of Sin and Will The intersection of human will and the concept of sin presents one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing problems. At its core, this inquiry grapples with the fundamental question of why individuals, endowed with the capacity for rational...
The Ethics of Slavery and Family: A Profound Moral Failure The ethics of slavery presents one of humanity's most profound moral failures, particularly when examined through the lens of family. This article explores how the institution of slavery, despite historical attempts at philosophical justification, inherently violated fundamental ethical...
Navigating the Labyrinth: The Enduring Distinction Between Good and Evil The human condition is perpetually entwined with the profound question of what constitutes good and what defines evil. From ancient myths to modern ethics, philosophers, theologians, and thinkers across millennia have grappled with this fundamental distinction, seeking to understand its...
The Enduring Metaphysics of Good and Evil: Unpacking Its Fundamental Element in the World The concepts of good and evil are not mere human constructs; they are, in the deepest sense, elements woven into the fabric of our world and our understanding of existence. This article embarks on a philosophical...
The Elusive Pursuit: Deconstructing the Idea of Universal Happiness Is universal happiness a noble aspiration, a foundational pillar of ethical thought, or merely a beautiful, unattainable mirage? The idea of a state where all beings experience well-being and contentment has captivated philosophers, theologians, and dreamers for millennia. It is an...
The Unyielding Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Virtue and Vice The pursuit of a meaningful life, both individually and collectively, hinges on our capacity to discern between actions and character traits that elevate the human spirit and those that diminish it. At the heart of this ancient and enduring philosophical...
The Enduring Dance: Understanding the Opposition of Good and Evil in the World The concepts of good and evil are not mere philosophical constructs; they are the very fabric against which human experience is woven, defining our struggles, our triumphs, and our understanding of existence itself. From ancient myths to...
The Ethical Dilemma of Lying: Navigating Truth and Sin Summary: A Journey Through Deception's Moral Maze Lying, a seemingly simple act of uttering falsehoods, unravels into one of philosophy's most enduring and complex ethical dilemmas. From ancient Greek philosophers grappling with the nature of Truth to...
The Enduring Quest: Deconstructing the Definition of Happiness Summary: The definition of happiness has been a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry for millennia, far exceeding a mere fleeting emotion. From ancient Greek eudaimonia, emphasizing flourishing through virtue, to modern considerations of subjective well-being, the concept grapples with the interplay of pleasure...
The Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life: A Pursuit of Excellence What does it truly mean to live a good life? For centuries, philosophers have grappled with this profound question, offering myriad perspectives that shape our understanding of human flourishing. Among these, the "Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life&...
The Elusive Quest: Unpacking the Nature of Happiness in Philosophy Summary: A Journey Through Philosophical Conceptions of Happiness From the sun-drenched agora of ancient Greece to the bustling intellectual salons of the Enlightenment, the nature of happiness has stood as one of philosophy's most enduring and profound inquiries....
The Problem of Sin and Desire: A Perennial Conundrum of the Human Condition The human experience is fundamentally shaped by desire. From the simplest urge for sustenance to the most profound yearning for meaning, desire is the engine of our actions, the fuel of our aspirations. Yet, alongside this inherent...
The Unwavering Compass: The Role of Will in Moral Action and Duty Summary: Navigating the Moral Landscape At the heart of every moral decision lies the will—that profound human faculty enabling us to choose, to deliberate, and to act. This article explores the indispensable role of the will in...
The Enduring Enigma: Confronting the Problem of Good and Evil in the World The existence of suffering, injustice, and malevolence in a world often perceived as ordered or even divinely created presents one of philosophy's most profound and persistent challenges: the problem of good and evil. This isn&...
The Ethical Imperative: Unpacking the Ethical Duty of the Citizen The concept of the citizen carries with it a profound weight of responsibility, a silent contract between the individual and the collective. This pillar page delves into the multifaceted nature of the ethical duty that binds every citizen to their...
The Theological Problem of Evil (Sin): An Enduring Conundrum The existence of evil in a world purportedly created and governed by an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God presents one of philosophy and theology's most enduring and perplexing challenges. This challenge intensifies when we narrow our focus specifically to...
The Labyrinth of Longing: Navigating the Ethics of Desire Summary: Unpacking the Moral Dimension of Our Deepest Urges At the heart of human experience lies desire—a powerful, often bewildering force that propels us forward, shapes our choices, and ultimately defines much of what we deem meaningful. This article delves...
The Unyielding Chasm: Exploring the Opposition of Virtue and Vice Summary: The philosophical landscape has long been shaped by the fundamental opposition between virtue and vice. This article delves into the inherent contrast between these two pillars of human character and morality, exploring how thinkers from ancient Greece to the...
The Ethical Dimension of War and Peace: A Timeless Inquiry The perennial questions surrounding war and peace are not merely political or strategic; they strike at the very heart of human existence and our deepest moral convictions. This article delves into the intricate philosophical landscape of conflict and tranquility, exploring...
The Use of Dialectic in Defining Good and Evil A Philosophical Journey Towards Moral Clarity The quest to define Good and Evil stands as one of humanity's most enduring and fundamental philosophical challenges. Far from a simple task, it demands rigorous inquiry, a willingness to challenge assumptions, and...
The Golden Equation: Wealth, Happiness, and the Philosophical Pursuit of the Good Summary: The common assumption that wealth directly equates to happiness is a pervasive modern myth. Philosophically, the relationship is far more complex and often paradoxical. While material prosperity can offer comfort and security, true happiness – understood as eudaimonia...
The Idea of a Just Punishment: A Philosophical Inquiry What makes a punishment just? This isn't merely a legal question, but a profound philosophical one that has occupied the greatest minds throughout history. A just punishment is one that not only addresses a transgression but also aligns with...
The Unseen Burden: Navigating the Ethical Imperatives of Scientific Knowledge The relentless march of science has gifted humanity with unparalleled understanding and transformative power. From unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos to deciphering the very code of life, scientific knowledge reshapes our world daily. Yet, with this immense power comes...
The Divine Architect? Exploring the Role of God in the Moral Universe The question of God's role in the moral universe is one of philosophy's most enduring and profound inquiries, reaching back to antiquity and continuing to shape our understanding of ethics, purpose, and existence. It...
The Will to Power and Human Desire: A Relentless Pursuit The human experience, when examined closely, reveals a tumultuous landscape of drives, aspirations, and ceaseless striving. At the heart of this dynamic, as illuminated by thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, lies a concept far more profound than mere survival: The Will...
Navigating the Moral Compass: The Enduring Concepts of Good and Evil A Philosophical Journey Through Our Moral Systems The concepts of Good and Evil stand as the bedrock of all moral systems, shaping our understanding of right and wrong, justice and injustice, and ultimately, what it means to live a...
The Labyrinth of Conscience: Navigating the Concept of Sin and Moral Judgment By Daniel Fletcher The concepts of Sin and Moral Judgment stand as ancient pillars in the architecture of human thought, profoundly shaping our understanding of ourselves, our societies, and our place in the cosmos. From the earliest myths...
The Pursuit of Happiness and the Good Life: A Timeless Inquiry The quest for happiness and the elusive "good life" is perhaps the most enduring and fundamental question of human existence. From the earliest philosophical texts to our contemporary struggles, humanity has grappled with what it means to...
The Ethics of Slavery and Human Labor: A Philosophical Journey Through Good and Evil The ethics of slavery and human labor stands as one of humanity's most enduring and complex moral quandaries. From ancient justifications to modern condemnations, this article explores the philosophical underpinnings of forced servitude and...