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.
Justice as Impartial Judgment: A Cornerstone of Righteous Order Justice, in its purest form, often appears as an elusive ideal, a beacon toward which societies strive but rarely fully grasp. Yet, at its very heart lies a principle both fundamental and profoundly practical: impartial judgment. To truly administer justice is...
Oligarchy and the Suppression of Liberty: A Philosophical Inquiry Summary: Oligarchy, a form of government where power rests with a small, privileged group, fundamentally undermines the principles of liberty. Rooted in the pursuit of self-interest, often economic, it systematically erodes individual freedoms, distorts the law for its own benefit, and...
The Definition of a Just War: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Conflict A Quest for Justice Amidst the Chaos of War The very notion of a "just war" often strikes the modern ear as an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. How can the devastation, loss, and inherent violence...
The Unyielding Anchor: Exploring the Principle of Liberty in Law The Principle of Liberty in Law stands as a foundational concept in Western jurisprudence, asserting that individual freedom is not merely an aspiration but a core tenet that legal systems must uphold and protect. This principle, deeply embedded within the...
The pursuit of justice in any political system is a fraught endeavor, but in a democratic state, it becomes a particularly complex dance between individual liberties, collective will, and the foundational principles that hold a society together. This article delves into the intricate relationship between justice and democracy, exploring how...
