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 Unseen Bonds: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Ethics of Slavery and Labor The concepts of slavery and labor stand at the very foundations of human society, yet their ethical dimensions remain a perpetual source of philosophical debate and moral anguish. From the ancient world's rationalizations of human...
The Intricate Dance: Exploring the Connection Between Wealth and Justice The relation between wealth and justice has been a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry for millennia, a complex interplay that continues to challenge societies and individuals alike. From the ancient Greek city-states to our contemporary global economy, thinkers have grappled with...
The Golden Chains: Wealth, Labor, and the Enduring Specter of Slavery The pursuit and accumulation of wealth have, throughout human history, been inextricably linked to the concept of slavery, whether overt or subtle. This article explores how philosophical traditions, from antiquity to modernity, illuminate the profound and often uncomfortable connection...
The Constitution as a Framework for Justice: A Philosophical Examination The Constitution stands not merely as a legal document but as a profound philosophical statement, embodying principles designed to establish and maintain justice within a society. It serves as the foundational framework, a set of rules and ideals through which...
Justice as Impartial Judgment: A Cornerstone of Equitable Society By Henry Montgomery Justice, at its very heart, is an aspiration towards fairness and equity, a societal ideal that demands not merely the application of rules, but a profound commitment to impartial judgment. This article posits that true justice can only...
The Ethical Dilemma of Slavery: A Perpetual Challenge to Human Dignity Slavery, in all its forms, represents one of humanity's most profound and enduring ethical dilemmas. This article explores the philosophical arguments that have both justified and vehemently condemned the practice, tracing its conflict with fundamental concepts of...
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 Unbreakable Thread: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Justice A Direct Look at an Age-Old Dilemma The relation between wealth and justice is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex questions, a perennial subject of debate that shapes societies, economies, and individual lives. From ancient city-states to...
The Uneven Scales: Philosophical Insights into Wealth Distribution and Economic Justice The question of how wealth is distributed within a society is not merely an economic concern; it is a profound philosophical challenge that lies at the heart of our understanding of justice. From ancient city-states to globalized economies, thinkers...
The Principle of Justice in War and Peace: A Philosophical Imperative The question of justice in human affairs is perhaps one of the most enduring and complex challenges philosophers have grappled with, particularly when confronting the extreme states of war and peace. This article explores the fundamental principle of justice...
The Enduring Compass: The Role of Prudence in Government Summary: In the intricate dance of governance, prudence emerges not merely as a cautious inclination but as a foundational virtue, guiding leaders toward wise decisions that foster justice and stability. Drawing from the deep wellspring of classical philosophy, this article explores...
Divine Reckoning: A Philosophical Look at Sin and Punishment The concepts of sin and punishment are foundational pillars in religious thought, offering profound insights into the human condition, moral responsibility, and the nature of divine justice. This article delves into the theological understanding of these intertwined ideas, exploring their definitions,...
The Logic of Judicial Judgment: Navigating Reason and Right in the Halls of Law Summary: Judicial judgment, far from being a mere exercise of power, stands as a profound attempt to apply Logic in the service of Justice within the intricate framework of Law. This article explores how judges strive...