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 Unyielding Compass: Navigating Justice in the Crucible of War and the Architectures of Peace Summary: The Principle of Justice, a cornerstone of Western thought illuminated throughout the Great Books of the Western World, serves as an indispensable moral compass, guiding human conduct not only in times of tranquility but,...
The Guiding Hand: The Indispensable Role of Prudence in Government In the intricate dance of governance, where decisions ripple through the lives of millions, the virtue of prudence stands as a beacon of foresight and balanced judgment. Far from mere caution, prudence in government is the practical wisdom that enables...
The Weight of Gold: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Justice The relation between wealth and justice is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex dilemmas, a subject that has captivated thinkers from ancient Athens to the modern State. At its core, this article explores how the distribution,...
The Golden Fetters: A Philosophical Inquiry into Wealth and Slavery Summary This article delves into the profound and often uncomfortable historical and philosophical connection between the accumulation of wealth and the institution of slavery. Drawing from foundational texts within the Great Books of the Western World, we examine how the...
Beyond Parchment: The Constitution as a Living Framework for Justice The Constitution, far from being a mere legal document, serves as the foundational philosophical framework upon which a society's pursuit of justice is built. It establishes the mechanisms, limitations, and aspirations for a government to ensure fairness, protect...
Justice as Impartial Judgment: A Foundation of Equitable Societies Summary At the heart of a truly just society lies the principle of impartial judgment. This article explores how justice, far from being a subjective sentiment, demands an objective and unbiased application of principles, transcending personal biases and emotional sway. Drawing...
The Indelible Stain: Unpacking the Ethical Dilemma of Slavery Slavery, in its myriad forms across history and cultures, presents one of humanity's most profound and enduring ethical dilemmas. At its core, it is an institution that fundamentally denies the inherent dignity and autonomy of a human being, transforming...
Justice as the Virtue of the State: A Classical Inquiry By Chloe Fitzgerald Summary: The Indispensable Virtue of the Polis For many classical thinkers, particularly Plato and Aristotle, Justice was not merely one virtue among many, but the foundational and overarching virtue that defined a well-ordered State. It was the...
The Enduring Paradox: Labor, Liberty, and the Shadow of Slavery The relationship between labor, liberty, and slavery forms one of the most persistent and profound inquiries within the history of philosophy. From the foundational texts of the Great Books of the Western World, we observe a continuous grappling with how...
The Ethics of Constitutional Law Summary: Constitutional law, far from being a mere technical exercise, is deeply imbued with ethical considerations. It represents a society's foundational commitment to principles of justice, liberty, and order, drawing heavily from centuries of philosophical inquiry into the ideal state and the nature...
The Enduring Question: The Justice of Punishment in Law The imposition of punishment by the state, ostensibly in the name of Law, represents one of the most profound expressions of societal power. Yet, the question of whether such Punishment is truly an act of Justice has vexed philosophers, jurists, and...
Beyond Tumult: The Philosophical Meaning of Revolution Revolution, at its core, is far more than mere political upheaval or a violent change in governance. From a philosophical perspective, it represents a profound interrogation of fundamental principles: the nature of the State, the pursuit of Justice, and the very trajectory of...
The Ethics of Slavery and the State: A Philosophical Reckoning The institution of slavery, a dark stain across human history, presents one of the most profound and enduring challenges to our understanding of ethics, the purpose of the state, and the very definition of justice. This article delves into the...
The Unyielding Principle: Justice in War and Peace The human story is inextricably woven with threads of conflict and coexistence. From the earliest skirmishes for survival to the complex geopolitical landscapes of today, the question of justice has loomed large, a persistent and often perplexing beacon. This article delves into...
The Indispensable Compass: Prudence in Government The effectiveness and ethical standing of any Government hinges significantly on the cultivation and application of prudence. Far from mere caution or self-interest, prudence is the intellectual virtue that enables leaders to discern the true good in any given circumstance and to choose the...
The Logic of Judicial Judgment: A Planksip Exploration The pursuit of Justice often appears as a grand, almost mythical quest, yet its daily manifestation hinges on something far more structured and rigorous: the Logic of Judicial Judgment. At its core, the legal system, from the highest courts to the local...
