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 Enduring Interrogation of Slavery and Labor: A Philosophical Journey The history of humanity is, in many respects, a history of labor, and tragically, a history intertwined with slavery. From ancient civilizations to the shadows of modern exploitation, the ethical implications of one person holding dominion over another's...
The Weight of Creation: Unpacking the Philosophical Meaning of Labor Summary: Beyond its economic or practical utility, labor stands as a profound philosophical concept, fundamental to understanding Man's identity, purpose, and relationship with the world. This article delves into the rich history of philosophical thought on labor, from...
The Dual Edge of Toil: How Labor Creates Both Wealth and Poverty Summary Labor, the fundamental human act of transforming nature, stands as the undeniable fount of all wealth. From the earliest hunter-gatherer to the most complex digital artisan, human effort imbues raw materials with value, creating everything we consume...
The Indispensable Engine: Labor's Necessity for the State The question of what truly sustains a state, enabling its very existence and perpetuation, is a cornerstone of political philosophy. Beyond the grand pronouncements of laws, the charisma of leaders, or the might of armies, lies a more fundamental, often...
Labor, Liberty, and the Chains of Injustice Summary: The relationship between labor, freedom, and slavery forms a foundational inquiry in philosophy, revealing how the capacity to direct one's work is inextricably linked to human dignity and the very essence of liberty. When labor is freely chosen and engaged,...
The Ethics of Slavery and Human Labor: A Perennial Moral Challenge The shadow of slavery stretches across human history, a stark testament to our capacity for both profound ingenuity and profound cruelty. At its core, the institution of slavery represents the ultimate denial of individual autonomy, transforming a human being...
