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 Timeless Imperative The concept of the "citizen" has evolved dramatically throughout history, yet the fundamental question of their ethical "duty" remains a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry. From the ancient Greek polis to the sprawling global communities of today, understanding...
The Theological Problem of Evil (Sin): A Planksip Exploration The existence of evil in a world purportedly created and sustained by an all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-good (omnibenevolent) God presents one of philosophy's most enduring and vexing challenges. This isn't merely an abstract intellectual exercise; it strikes...
The Labyrinth of Longing: An Exploration of the Ethics of Desire A Primer on Passion and Principle Desire, in its myriad forms, is the very engine of human experience – a primal force that propels us toward action, shapes our aspirations, and colors our perception of the world. But what is...
The Opposition of Virtue and Vice: A Philosophical Exploration The human experience is fundamentally shaped by the choices we make, the principles we uphold, and the character we cultivate. At the heart of this moral landscape lies the profound and enduring opposition between virtue and vice. This article delves into...
The Unseen Battlefield: Navigating the Ethical Dimensions of War and Peace The concepts of War and Peace are not merely historical or political phenomena; they are deeply entrenched in the very fabric of human ethics. From ancient battlefields to modern geopolitical struggles, humanity has grappled with profound moral questions concerning...
The Use of Dialectic in Defining Good and Evil Defining concepts as profound and universally significant as "Good and Evil" has been a perennial pursuit in philosophy. The dialectic method, an ancient art of intellectual discourse, offers a powerful framework for dissecting, scrutinizing, and ultimately refining our understanding...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Happiness A Philosophical Inquiry into Prosperity and Contentment The pursuit of wealth is a fundamental human endeavor, often intertwined with the equally persistent quest for happiness. Yet, the nature of their connection remains one of philosophy's most enduring and...
The Idea of a Just Punishment The concept of a just punishment is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex puzzles, touching upon our deepest convictions about fairness, morality, and the very fabric of society. At its core, it asks: What makes a penalty fair, appropriate, and morally...
The Ethical Responsibility of the Scientist: A Burden of Knowledge Summary The pursuit of science has always been a quest for knowledge, yet this noble endeavor carries with it an immense duty to navigate the profound implications of discovery. This article explores the ethical responsibility incumbent upon scientists, arguing that...
Navigating the Moral Compass: The Enduring Question of God's Role in Ethics The vast tapestry of human thought has, for millennia, grappled with the profound question of morality. At the heart of this inquiry often lies another, even more ancient query: What role does God play in shaping...
The Unyielding Pulse: Decoding the Will to Power and Human Desire The intricate tapestry of human existence is woven with threads of will and desire, forces that propel us forward, shape our societies, and define our individual struggles. Far from being mere whims, these deeply rooted impulses form the very...
The Enduring Dance: Unpacking Good and Evil in Moral Systems Navigating the Labyrinth of Right and Wrong The concepts of Good and Evil are not mere abstract ideas; they are the very bedrock upon which all moral systems are built, shaping our laws, our societies, and our individual consciences. From...
The Labyrinth of Conscience: Exploring Sin and Moral Judgment The concepts of sin and moral judgment lie at the very heart of human experience, shaping our understanding of right and wrong, guiding our actions, and defining our relationship with the divine, society, and ourselves. From ancient philosophical inquiries into Good...
The Elusive Zenith: Unpacking Happiness and the Good Life The quest for happiness is perhaps the most enduring and universal human endeavor, a thread woven through the tapestry of every culture and era. But what exactly constitutes happiness? And how does this pursuit relate to the broader concept of "...
The Indelible Stain: Examining the Ethics of Slavery and Human Labor Summary: The history of human civilization is inextricably linked with the concepts of slavery and labor, often blurring the lines between necessity, exploitation, and profound ethical transgression. This article delves into the philosophical arguments, historical justifications, and eventual moral...
The Eternal Conundrum: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Immortality The dream of eternal life, an aspiration etched into the very core of human mythology and philosophy, has long been confined to the realms of fantasy and spiritual promise. Yet, as scientific frontiers push the boundaries of "Life and Death,...
The Enduring Idea of Good and Evil in Religion: A Planksip Exploration Summary: Unpacking the Moral Compass of Faith The concepts of Good and Evil are not mere abstract notions; they form the very bedrock of human morality, profoundly shaped and interpreted through the lens of Religion. This article delves...
The Labyrinth of Choice: Unraveling the Problem of Sin and Will Summary The problem of sin and will stands as one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing challenges, probing the very core of human freedom, moral responsibility, and the nature of good and evil. From ancient Greek inquiries...
The Unbearable Contradiction: The Ethics of Slavery and Family Slavery, an institution as ancient as civilization itself, presents one of humanity's most profound ethical dilemmas. At its heart lies a brutal contradiction: the systematic denial of human dignity and autonomy, often manifesting in the destruction of the most...
The Enduring Chasm: Navigating the Distinction Between Good and Evil The human experience is perpetually shadowed by the profound and often perplexing concepts of good and evil. From the earliest myths to the most intricate philosophical treatises, humanity has grappled with the distinction between these two fundamental forces, seeking to...
The Elusive Pursuit: Deconstructing the Idea of Universal Happiness The quest for happiness is perhaps the most fundamental human endeavor, a thread woven through the tapestry of individual lives and societal aspirations. But what happens when we elevate this personal yearning to a collective ideal, contemplating the Idea of Universal...
Navigating the Moral Compass: The Enduring Distinction Between Virtue and Vice The human experience is a tapestry woven with choices, intentions, and actions, each contributing to the intricate fabric of our character. At the heart of understanding this moral landscape lies a fundamental philosophical concept: the distinction between virtue and...
The Enduring Dance: Understanding the Opposition of Good and Evil in the World The fabric of human experience, from our most intimate thoughts to the grand sweep of history, is woven with the undeniable tension between good and evil. This opposition is not merely a philosophical construct; it is a...
The Ethical Dilemma of Lying: Navigating Truth and Sin The act of lying, seemingly simple, unravels into one of philosophy's most enduring and complex ethical dilemmas. From ancient Greek dialogues to modern moral quandaries, humanity has grappled with the implications of departing from Truth. This pillar page delves...
The Elusive Pursuit: Defining Happiness Through the Ages Happiness, that most coveted of human states, often feels like a will-o'-the-wisp – glimpsed, pursued, yet perpetually just beyond a firm grasp. From the earliest philosophical inquiries to the present day, thinkers have grappled with its definition, seeking to understand whether...
The Noble Pursuit: Unpacking the Aristocratic Idea of the Good Life Summary: The aristocratic Idea of the good life, deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, posits that true human flourishing – happiness – is achieved through the cultivation of virtue, excellence, and a life lived in accordance with reason. Far from merely...
The Perplexing Quandary: Grappling with the Problem of Evil (Sin) in Our World From the earliest stirrings of human consciousness, the presence of suffering, injustice, and moral transgression has posed a profound problem for those who contemplate the nature of reality. How can a benevolent, omnipotent deity permit, or even...
The Elusive Pursuit: Unpacking the Nature of Happiness in Philosophy The human quest for happiness is perhaps the oldest and most enduring philosophical inquiry. From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the quiet contemplation of modern thought, philosophers have grappled with its nature, its attainability, and its connection to...
The Human Predicament: Sin, Desire, and the Quest for Good The intricate relationship between sin and desire forms one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing problems. From the earliest human reflections on morality to the complex ethical systems of today, thinkers have grappled with how our inner appetites...
The Unseen Architect: The Role of Will in Moral Action (Duty) A Summary of Intent The concept of will stands as a monumental pillar in the architecture of moral philosophy, particularly when we consider its inextricable link to duty. This article will explore the profound role the will plays in...
The Enduring Conundrum: Navigating the Problem of Good and Evil in the World The existence of both profound good and unspeakable evil in our world presents one of humanity's oldest and most persistent philosophical challenges. From ancient mythologies to modern ethical debates, thinkers have grappled with understanding their...
The concept of the citizen and their inherent duty to the collective has been a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry for millennia. From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the complex democracies of today, thinkers have grappled with what it truly means to be a responsible member of society. This...
The Theological Problem of Evil: Confronting Sin in a Divine Order The existence of evil in a world purportedly created and sustained by an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent God presents one of the most enduring and profound challenges to theology. This paradox, often termed the Problem of Evil, intensifies when...
The Labyrinth of Longing: Navigating the Ethics of Desire The human experience is, at its core, a tapestry woven from desires. From the simplest craving for sustenance to the most profound yearning for truth, beauty, or justice, desire propels us, shapes us, and defines our very being. But if desire...