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 Idea of a Just Constitution The pursuit of a just society is, arguably, the most enduring philosophical endeavor. At its heart lies the foundational concept of a just constitution – not merely a document or a set of rules, but the very idea of a political framework designed to foster...
Unveiling the Enduring Reality: The Metaphysical Status of Universal Forms Summary: The question of the metaphysical status of universal forms stands as one of philosophy's most profound and enduring inquiries, directly impacting our understanding of reality, knowledge, and language. At its heart lies the distinction between the universal—...
The Idea of God as a First Principle The concept of a "First Principle" is a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry, representing the ultimate ground from which all other truths or existences derive. When we turn our gaze to the Idea of God in Metaphysics, we encounter a profound...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Distinction Between Being and Essence At the heart of Metaphysics, that grand inquiry into the fundamental nature of reality, lies a distinction both subtle and profound: the difference between being and essence. Simply put, being refers to the sheer fact of existence – that something is....
The Unseen Tapestry: Unveiling the Beauty of Mathematical Structures The world often views mathematics as a realm of cold, hard logic, a tool for calculation devoid of emotion or aesthetic appeal. Yet, for those who delve deeper, it reveals a profound and often startling beauty. This article explores how mathematical...
Beyond the Visible: Plato's Forms and the Fabric of Metaphysics Plato's theory of Forms, or Ideas (from the Greek Eidos), stands as a monumental pillar in the landscape of Western Metaphysics. At its core, this theory posits the existence of a transcendent realm of perfect, unchanging,...
