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 Perennial Conundrum: Understanding the Problem of Evil (Sin) in the World The existence of suffering, injustice, and moral transgression in a world purportedly governed by a benevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient deity presents one of philosophy's most enduring and vexing challenges: the Problem of Evil. This profound philosophical...
The Enduring Quest: Unpacking The Nature of Happiness in Philosophy From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the quiet studies of medieval monasteries and the enlightened salons of modernity, the question of happiness has persistently captivated the human mind. What is its true nature? Is it a fleeting emotion,...
The Perennial Conundrum: Unpacking the Problem of Sin and Desire At the heart of the human condition lies a profound tension: the ceaseless thrum of desire pitted against the often-stern pronouncements of sin. This article delves into the philosophical problem of how our innate inclinations and yearnings frequently collide with...
The Unseen Architect: How Will Shapes Our Moral Duty The intricate dance of moral action often appears to be a grand stage where principles and consequences clash. Yet, beneath the surface, an unseen architect dictates the steps: the will. This article explores the profound role of the will in moral...
The Enduring Problem of Good and Evil in the World: A Philosophical Journey From the earliest campfire stories to the most complex theological debates, humanity has grappled with the profound and often agonizing Problem of Good and Evil in the World. Why do we suffer? What compels us to acts...
The Ethical Duty of the Citizen: A Philosophical Inquiry The concept of the citizen carries with it an inherent weight, a set of responsibilities that extend beyond mere self-interest. From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the complex democracies of today, philosophers have grappled with what constitutes the ethical...
The Theological Problem of Evil: Confronting the Reality of Sin The existence of evil in a world purportedly created and sustained by an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good God poses one of the most enduring and profound challenges to theology and philosophy. While the broader "Problem of Evil" encompasses...
The Ethics of Desire: A Philosophical Journey Through the Will's Labyrinth Summary The ethics of desire is a foundational question in philosophy, exploring how our innate yearnings, appetites, and aspirations relate to concepts of Good and Evil, and how they are moderated or directed by our Will. From...
The Unyielding Divide: Navigating the Opposition of Virtue and Vice From the earliest philosophical inquiries, humanity has grappled with the stark contrast between what elevates and what diminishes us. The opposition of virtue and vice is not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality, a constant pull between good...
The Ethical Dimension of War and Peace: A Philosophical Inquiry The relationship between war and peace is perhaps the most profound and persistent ethical challenge humanity faces. This article delves into how philosophers, drawing from the rich tapestry of the Great Books of the Western World, have grappled with the...
The Use of Dialectic in Defining Good and Evil: A Rigorous Path to Moral Clarity The perennial human quest to understand and define Good and Evil stands as one of Philosophy's most profound challenges. This article explores how the disciplined process of Dialectic serves as an indispensable tool,...
The Elusive Embrace: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Happiness The age-old question of whether money can buy happiness remains one of philosophy's most enduring and vexing inquiries. While common wisdom often dismisses a direct correlation, a deeper dive into the Great Books of the Western World reveals...
The Idea of a Just Punishment The concept of a just punishment is one of the most enduring and complex questions in philosophy, deeply intertwined with our understanding of justice, law, and the very nature of good and evil. This article explores the philosophical underpinnings of punishment, examining its purposes,...
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, a labyrinthine journey through Theology, ethics, and the very nature of Good and Evil. For millennia, thinkers have...
The Will to Power and Human Desire: An Examination of Driving Forces In the grand tapestry of philosophical thought, few concepts stir the intellect and provoke as much debate as "The Will to Power" and its intricate relationship with "Human Desire." At its core, this exploration...
The Concept of Good and Evil in Moral Systems The concepts of Good and Evil stand as the bedrock of moral philosophy, shaping our understanding of human action, responsibility, and the very fabric of society. This article delves into how various moral systems, from ancient virtue ethics to modern deontological...
The Concept of Sin and Moral Judgment: A Philosophical Journey The concepts of sin and moral judgment stand as pillars in the edifice of human thought, profoundly shaping our understanding of good and evil, responsibility, and the very fabric of society. This exploration delves beyond purely religious interpretations to examine...
The Eternal Question: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Immortality The dream of overcoming our mortal coil has captivated humanity for millennia, from ancient myths of gods and heroes to modern scientific pursuits. But what if that dream became reality? What if life and death, as we know them, ceased to...
The Idea of Good and Evil in Religion: A Perennial Inquiry The concepts of Good and Evil stand as foundational pillars in nearly every human religion and philosophical system, shaping our understanding of the cosmos, our moral duties, and our ultimate destiny. This article delves into how various theological traditions,...
The Enduring Problem of Sin and Will: A Philosophical Inquiry The human condition is perpetually entangled in a profound paradox: endowed with the capacity for rational thought and free choice, why do we so often choose paths that lead to suffering, both for ourselves and others? This is the heart...
The Unbearable Contradiction: Slavery, Ethics, and the Dismantling of Family The institution of slavery stands as a profound ethical paradox in human history, fundamentally challenging our understanding of good and evil and revealing the devastating consequences when human dignity is denied. This article explores the inherent conflict between the practice...
Navigating the Moral Compass: The Enduring Distinction Between Good and Evil The human experience is inextricably linked to the quest for meaning, purpose, and, perhaps most profoundly, a moral compass. At the heart of this quest lies the fundamental distinction between Good and Evil. This article explores the philosophical and...
The Primal Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Good and Evil The human experience is perpetually framed by an inescapable duality: the concepts of good and evil. From ancient myths to modern ethics, our quest to understand, define, and navigate these opposing forces shapes our moral compass, legal systems, and individual...
As we navigate the intricate tapestry of existence, few questions resonate with such persistent urgency as that concerning the element of good and evil. This article delves into the profound philosophical inquiry surrounding these fundamental forces, exploring their nature, origins, and manifestations across the human world. Drawing upon the rich...
The Elusive Quest for Universal Happiness: A Philosophical Journey The "Idea of Universal Happiness" is a notion as ancient as philosophy itself, a tantalizing yet perpetually elusive concept that has stirred the minds of thinkers from antiquity to the modern age. It posits a state of well-being, contentment,...
The Enduring Distinction Between Virtue and Vice: A Moral Compass for Humanity The philosophical journey often begins with fundamental inquiries into what constitutes a life well-lived. At the heart of this exploration lies the crucial distinction between virtue and vice. This article offers a clear definition of each, exploring their...
The Enduring Opposition: Good and Evil in Our World The struggle between good and evil is not merely a theological debate or a plot device in fiction; it is a fundamental opposition woven into the very fabric of our World and the essence of Being. From the earliest philosophical inquiries...
The Labyrinth of Deceit: Navigating the Ethical Dilemma of Lying (Truth and Sin) The act of lying, at its core, represents a deliberate departure from truth. It is a pervasive human behavior, yet one that has vexed philosophers and theologians for millennia, sparking profound debates about duty, sin, and the...
The Enduring Quest: Defining Happiness Through the Ages The quest for happiness is a perennial human endeavor, yet its definition remains elusive and multifaceted. This article delves into the rich philosophical tradition, particularly drawing from the Great Books of the Western World, to explore how thinkers have grappled with happiness,...
The Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life: A Pursuit of Excellence The quest for the "good life" is perhaps the most ancient and enduring human endeavor. From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the quiet contemplation of modern thought, humanity has grappled with what constitutes a life...
The Enduring Conundrum: The Problem of Evil (Sin) in the World A Fundamental Challenge to Our Understanding of Existence Summary: The problem of evil, often articulated as the "Problem of Sin" when focusing on human moral failings, stands as one of philosophy's most profound and persistent...
The Elusive Pursuit: Unpacking the Nature of Happiness in Philosophy From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the quiet contemplation of modern existentialists, the nature of happiness has remained a perennial, captivating enigma at the heart of philosophy. This pillar page delves into the multifaceted ways philosophers across millennia,...
The human condition is often characterized by an internal struggle, a perpetual tension between what we want and what we ought to do. This struggle lies at the heart of "The Problem of Sin and Desire," a profound philosophical and theological inquiry that has captivated thinkers across millennia....
The Indomitable Will: Navigating Moral Action and Duty The role of will in moral action, particularly in the context of duty, is a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry, probing the very essence of human agency and our capacity for good and evil. This article delves into how our internal faculty of...