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 Inseparable Threads: Examining the Connection Between Revolution and Justice Summary: The connection between revolution and justice is a profound and often tumultuous one, forming a recurring theme throughout human history and philosophical inquiry. Revolutions frequently emerge from a deep-seated perception of systemic injustice, aiming to dismantle existing power structures...
The Enduring Dilemma: Examining the Ethics of Slavery and Labor The history of humanity is, in many ways, an ongoing struggle for justice, freedom, and the recognition of inherent dignity. At the heart of this struggle lies the profound and often uncomfortable relationship between slavery and labor. From antiquity to...
The Indissoluble Knot: Examining the Connection Between Wealth and Justice The relation between wealth and justice has captivated philosophers for millennia, forming a cornerstone of ethical and political inquiry. At its core, this ongoing dialogue asks: Can a society be truly just if its wealth is distributed unevenly? What role...
The Chains of Gold: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Slavery Summary: The historical and philosophical inquiry into the nature of wealth inevitably confronts its often uncomfortable entanglement with slavery. From ancient civilizations that built empires on forced labor to modern critiques of economic exploitation, the appropriation of human effort...
The Constitution as a Framework for Justice The Constitution, more than a mere legal document, stands as a profound philosophical blueprint for a just society. It meticulously outlines the structure of government, defines the parameters of law, and establishes the fundamental principles intended to secure justice for all. This article...
Justice as Impartial Judgment: A Foundation of Civilized Society Justice, at its most profound and enduring, hinges upon the principle of impartial judgment. This concept, deeply etched into the intellectual tradition of the Great Books of the Western World, posits that true fairness can only emerge when decisions are rendered...
The intricate dance between the universal principles of justice and the particularities of their application forms the very bedrock of legal philosophy. This article explores the profound relation between the Universal and Particular in Law, examining how abstract ideals of justice must navigate the complexities of individual cases, cultural contexts,...
The Enduring Question: What Makes Punishment Just? Let's be honest, the concept of punishment often leaves a sour taste. It conjures images of suffering, restriction, and the imposition of will. Yet, societies across millennia have deemed it necessary, a cornerstone of Law and order. But what transforms mere...
Justice as the Virtue of the State When we speak of Justice, our minds often conjure images of courts, scales, or perhaps an individual's moral rectitude. However, the ancient philosophers, particularly those whose wisdom is preserved in the Great Books of the Western World, understood Justice not merely...
The Enduring Ethical Foundations of Constitutional Law The grand design of a Constitution is not merely a technical blueprint for governance; it is, at its very core, a profound ethical statement. It articulates a society's highest aspirations for Justice, fairness, and the common good, enshrining principles that aim...
The Intricate Scales: Navigating the Justice of Punishment in Law The concept of punishment, an omnipresent feature of human societies and their legal systems, is fraught with profound philosophical questions regarding its Justice. At its core, the debate asks not merely what punishment is, but what makes it just – a...
The Philosophical Meaning of Revolution: Beyond the Barricades Revolution, at first glance, appears as a tumultuous political event—a violent overthrow of an existing order. However, a deeper dive into its philosophical meaning reveals a concept far more profound than mere regime change. Philosophically, revolution represents a fundamental re-evaluation of...
The Shackles of Power: Unpacking the Ethics of Slavery and the State Summary: The institution of slavery, a dark stain across human history, presents one of the most profound ethical challenges to our understanding of human dignity, freedom, and the role of the State. This article delves into the philosophical...
The Principle of Justice in War and Peace: A Philosophical Inquiry The quest for justice stands as one of humanity's most enduring and perplexing philosophical endeavors. From the ancient Greek city-states to the complexities of modern international relations, discerning the appropriate application of moral principles in human affairs...
The Indispensable Compass: The Role of Prudence in Government In the complex tapestry of governance, where decisions ripple through societies and shape futures, the virtue of prudence stands as an indispensable compass. Far from mere caution or timidity, prudence in government is the practical wisdom that guides leaders to discern...
