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 Scales of Consequence: Unpacking the Justice of Punishment in Law The imposition of punishment by law is one of the most profound expressions of state power, a testament to society's collective will to maintain order and uphold its values. Yet, the question of whether such punishment is...
The Philosophical Meaning of Revolution: Unpacking Upheaval and Idealism Summary: Revolution, at its core, is far more than mere political upheaval; it represents a profound philosophical crisis and transformation. It compels us to question the very foundations of the State, the legitimacy of power, the nature of Justice, and the...
The Indelible Stain: Examining the Ethics of Slavery and the State A Philosophical Scrutiny of Unfreedom and Governance The institution of slavery, in its various abhorrent forms, has plagued human societies for millennia, often sanctioned and enforced by the very powers meant to uphold order and justice: the State. This...
The Enduring Pursuit: The Principle of Justice in War and Peace The human endeavor, marked by both profound cooperation and devastating conflict, has perpetually grappled with a singular, foundational question: How can we act justly? This query intensifies dramatically when confronted with the stark realities of war and peace. From...
The Enduring Dilemma: A Philosophical Examination of Slavery, Labor, and Justice The relationship between slavery, labor, and justice forms one of the most enduring and agonizing ethical quandaries in human history. From ancient chattel slavery to modern forms of exploitation, the philosophical underpinnings of forced work, fair compensation, and human...
The Intertwined Destinies: Exploring the Relation Between Wealth and Justice By Chloe Fitzgerald The connection between wealth and justice is not merely an economic concern, but a profound philosophical puzzle that has occupied the greatest minds throughout history. From ancient city-states to modern global economies, the relation between how resources...
The Perennial Pursuit: Wealth Distribution and Economic Justice The question of how societies ought to distribute their wealth and what constitutes economic justice is one of the most enduring and complex challenges in human history. From ancient city-states to modern global economies, philosophers have grappled with the fundamental principles that...
The Elusive Harmony: Navigating the Nature of Justice in a Democratic State The pursuit of justice is arguably the oldest and most persistent endeavor of human civilization. From the earliest communal gatherings to the sprawling complexities of modern nation-states, the question of what is right, fair, and equitable has shaped...
The Idea of a Just Punishment: A Philosophical Inquiry The question of what constitutes a just punishment is one of the oldest and most profound inquiries in moral philosophy and legal theory. It challenges us to confront the very nature of justice, the purpose of societal law, and the ethical...
The Philosophical Meaning of Revolution: A Quest for Justice and the Ideal State Revolution, at its heart, is far more than mere political upheaval or a change in government; it is a profound philosophical statement, a radical re-evaluation of the State, society, and the very concept of Justice. From ancient...
