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 Ethical Duty of the Citizen: A Perennial Inquiry The concept of a "citizen" carries with it an inherent weight, a tapestry woven from rights, responsibilities, and the often-complex thread of ethical duty. From the ancient polis to the sprawling modern nation-state, philosophers have grappled with what it...
The Theological Problem of Evil (Sin): A Planksip Exploration The theological problem of evil, often encapsulated in the profound question of how a perfectly good, all-powerful, and all-knowing God can permit the existence of evil, stands as one of humanity's most enduring intellectual and spiritual challenges. Within this...
The Ethics of Desire: Navigating the Labyrinth of Human Longing In the grand tapestry of human experience, few threads are as pervasive, as compelling, and as ethically fraught as desire. From the simplest craving for sustenance to the most profound yearning for truth or transcendence, desire propels us, shapes us,...
The Eternal Tug-of-War: Unpacking the Opposition of Virtue and Vice Summary The Opposition of Virtue and Vice lies at the very heart of philosophical inquiry into human morality and conduct. From ancient Greece to contemporary thought, thinkers have grappled with these fundamental forces, seeking to define what constitutes the Good...
The Ethical Dimension of War and Peace: Navigating the Moral Labyrinth of Human Conflict Summary: The ethical dimension of war and peace represents one of humanity's most profound and enduring philosophical challenges. From ancient Greek city-states to modern global conflicts, thinkers have grappled with the moral justifications for...
The Dialectical Path to Defining Good and Evil The quest to understand good and evil stands as one of humanity's most enduring philosophical challenges. This article explores how the rigorous method of dialectic serves as an indispensable tool in this pursuit, moving beyond simplistic notions to forge more...
Unraveling the Threads of Justice and Retribution The concept of a just punishment is one of philosophy's most enduring and vexing challenges, a cornerstone of any civilized society's Law. At its heart lies a profound tension: how do we respond to wrongdoing in a way that...
The Unyielding Hand of Conscience: The Role of Will in Moral Action (Duty) Summary The will is not merely an instrument; it is the very crucible where moral action is forged, especially in the context of duty. Far from a passive faculty, it actively engages with our understanding of good...
The Enduring Conundrum: Grappling with the Problem of Good and Evil in Our World From the earliest myths to the most intricate philosophical treatises, humanity has grappled with a profound and unsettling question: Why does suffering, injustice, and malevolence persist in a world where we yearn for, and often strive...
The Theological Problem of Evil (Sin): An Enduring Dilemma for Faith and Reason Summary: The Theological Problem of Evil, often framed as the "problem of suffering," grapples with the apparent contradiction between the existence of a perfectly good, all-powerful, and all-knowing God and the undeniable reality of evil...
The Enduring Confrontation: The Opposition of Virtue and Vice The human experience, at its deepest philosophical core, is often defined by a fundamental tension: the opposition of virtue and vice. This isn't merely a quaint moral dichotomy but a dynamic, ever-present struggle that shapes our choices, defines our...
The Ethical Responsibility of the Scientist: A Philosophical Inquiry The relentless march of science, a testament to humanity's insatiable quest for knowledge, has undeniably reshaped our world. Yet, with every groundbreaking discovery and technological marvel, a profound question emerges: what is the ethical duty of the scientist? This...
