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 Elusive Definition of Happiness: A Journey Through Western Thought The pursuit of happiness is often declared the most fundamental human endeavor, yet its precise definition remains one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing questions. Is it a fleeting emotion, a state of profound contentment, or a life...
The Noble Pursuit: Unpacking the Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life The Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life, as explored within the rich tapestry of the Great Books of the Western World, is far more nuanced than a simple birthright or social standing. It is, at its core, a philosophical...
The Unseen Architect of Virtue: The Role of Will in Moral Action (Duty) The human capacity for moral action, for distinguishing between Good and Evil, doesn't merely reside in our intentions or the consequences of our deeds. At its very core, it is the Role of the Will...
The Ethical Duty of the Citizen: A Philosophical Exploration The concept of duty forms the bedrock of any functioning society, but for the citizen, this obligation takes on a unique ethical dimension. What exactly does it mean to be a good citizen? Is it merely adherence to the law, or...
The Theological Problem of Evil (Sin) The "Theological Problem of Evil (Sin)" presents one of the most enduring and profound challenges to religious belief: how can an all-good, all-powerful God permit the existence of evil, particularly moral evil – that which we term Sin? This pillar page will explore...
The Philosophical Crucible: Forging an Ethics of Desire Summary: Navigating Our Deepest Impulses At the heart of human experience lies desire—a powerful, often unruly force that propels us forward, shapes our choices, and defines our very existence. Yet, the unbridled pursuit of desire can lead to chaos, conflict, and...
The Enduring Conflict: Unpacking the Opposition of Virtue and Vice The essence of moral philosophy often hinges on a fundamental dichotomy: the opposition of virtue and vice. This article delves into this timeless struggle, exploring how these concepts define the landscape of human character and action. From the pursuit of...
The Dialectical Lens: Unraveling Good and Evil Introduction: The Elusive Nature of Moral Truths Humanity's perennial quest to understand and define good and evil stands as one of philosophy's most enduring challenges. What constitutes a "good" act? What makes something "evil"? These...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Happiness The pursuit of wealth and the yearning for happiness are perhaps two of humanity's most persistent and universal desires. From the dawn of civilization, individuals and societies alike have grappled with the intricate relationship between material prosperity and...
The Enduring Question: What Makes Punishment Just? Let's be honest, the concept of punishment often leaves a sour taste. It conjures images of suffering, restriction, and the imposition of will. Yet, societies across millennia have deemed it necessary, a cornerstone of Law and order. But what transforms mere...
The pursuit of Knowledge is a quintessential human endeavor, driving us to understand the cosmos, the natural world, and ourselves. Yet, as history and philosophy repeatedly remind us, power—and Knowledge is a profound power—comes with an inherent Duty. The scientist, standing at the vanguard of discovery, bears a...
Navigating the Labyrinth: The Concept of Good and Evil in Moral Systems The concepts of Good and Evil stand as the bedrock upon which all moral systems are built, yet their definitions, origins, and applications have been debated for millennia. From ancient Greek philosophers seeking the path to human flourishing...
The Ethics of Slavery and Family: A Confluence of Contradictions The institution of slavery stands as one of humanity's most profound ethical failures, a stark testament to the capacity for Good and Evil within our collective history. This article delves into the inherent contradictions of slavery, particularly when...
Navigating the Labyrinth: The Enduring Distinction Between Good and Evil The human experience, from its earliest articulations in myth to its most rigorous philosophical inquiries, has been perpetually haunted by the fundamental distinction between good and evil. This isn't merely an academic exercise; it's a lived...
In the grand tapestry of human existence, few concepts are as profoundly debated, intimately experienced, and stubbornly resistant to definitive categorization as Good and Evil. This article delves into the philosophical inquiry surrounding these fundamental forces, exploring whether they are inherent elements of the world's metaphysics or constructs...
The Idea of Universal Happiness: A Philosophical Journey The idea of universal happiness is a concept that has captivated philosophers, theologians, and political thinkers for millennia. It's the grand, sweeping vision of a state where all sentient beings experience well-being, contentment, and flourishing. But what does such a...
The Moral Compass: Unpacking the Distinction Between Virtue and Vice The pursuit of a meaningful and ethically sound life often begins with a fundamental question: how do we discern right from wrong, and good from evil? At the heart of this inquiry lies the crucial distinction between virtue and vice....
The Enduring Schism: Grappling with the Opposition of Good and Evil in the World The World as we experience it is a tapestry woven with threads of both light and shadow, joy and sorrow, creation and destruction. At the heart of this complex fabric lies the profound and persistent opposition...
The Ethical Dilemma of Lying: A Journey Through Truth and Sin Navigating the Labyrinth of Honesty and Deception Lying, in its simplest form, is the act of intentionally misleading another. Yet, this seemingly straightforward act unravels into one of philosophy's most enduring and complex ethical dilemmas. Is lying...
The Elusive Pursuit: Unpacking the Definition of Happiness The quest for happiness is, arguably, the most fundamental human endeavor. From the earliest philosophical inquiries to the present day, thinkers have grappled with its nature, its attainment, and, most importantly, its definition. Is it a fleeting sensation, a state of mind,...
The Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life: A Pursuit of Excellence The "good life" is a philosophical pursuit as old as human thought itself, yet its definition has varied dramatically across cultures and epochs. Among the most enduring and provocative conceptions is the aristocratic idea – not merely a...
The Enduring Conundrum: The Problem of Evil (Sin) in the World The existence of suffering, injustice, and moral transgression in a world purportedly governed or created by an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly benevolent deity presents one of philosophy and theology's most ancient and intractable dilemmas. This is The...
The Enduring Quest: Unpacking the Nature of Happiness in Philosophy Happiness. It's a word we use daily, a state we all aspire to, and often, a fleeting sensation that seems to slip through our fingers. But what is happiness, truly? Is it a feeling, a virtue, a life...