Metaphysics

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.

1115 posts

Defining the One and the Many and One and Many

by Henry Montgomery in One and Many

The Enduring Riddle: Defining the One and the Many At the very heart of philosophical inquiry, beneath the surface of our everyday perceptions, lies a fundamental question that has vexed thinkers for millennia: the problem of Defining the One and the Many. This is not merely an academic exercise, but...

The Nature of The Distinction Between Being and Essence

by Benjamin Richmond in Being

The Enduring Riddle: Unpacking the Distinction Between Being and Essence Let's cut to the chase, shall we? In the grand theatre of Metaphysics, few distinctions are as fundamental, as stubbornly persistent, and as utterly crucial as that between Being and Essence. It's not merely an academic...

The Problem of One and Many and One and Many

by Chloe Fitzgerald in One and Many

The Enduring Riddle: Unraveling the Problem of One and Many The Problem of One and Many stands as one of the most fundamental and enduring questions in Metaphysics, probing the very nature of Being and reality itself. At its core, it asks: how can the diverse, numerous, and ever-changing world...

The Idea of Form (Eidos) in Metaphysics and Form

by Daniel Sanderson in Form

The Enduring Echo: Unpacking the Idea of Form (Eidos) in Metaphysics The concept of Form, or Eidos, stands as a monumental pillar in the landscape of Metaphysics, offering profound insights into the very fabric of reality. From the ancient insights of Plato to the nuanced critiques of Aristotle, the "...

The Hypothesis of Multiple Worlds and Hypothesis

by Henry Montgomery in Hypothesis

The Infinite Tapestry: Exploring the Hypothesis of Multiple Worlds The notion that our singular, observable universe might not be the only reality, but rather one among an innumerable collection of Worlds, has captivated thinkers for millennia. This profound Hypothesis, often shimmering at the edges of both speculative Astronomy and deep...

The Matter-Form Distinction in Physical Objects and Matter

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Matter

Hey there, fellow truth-seekers! Ever looked at something as simple as a wooden table and wondered, really wondered, what it fundamentally is? Is it just wood? Or is there something more profound going on, something that gives that wood its 'tableness'? This seemingly simple question opens the door...

The Metaphysical Concept of Being and Metaphysics

by Daniel Fletcher in Metaphysics

The Unseen Architecture: Deconstructing the Metaphysical Concept of Being The concept of Being stands as one of the most fundamental, yet notoriously elusive, cornerstones of philosophical inquiry. It is the very subject matter of Metaphysics, the branch of philosophy concerned with the ultimate nature of reality. From the ancient Greeks...

The Limitless Nature of Infinity and Infinity

by Benjamin Richmond in Infinity

The Limitless Nature of Infinity The concept of infinity is perhaps one of humanity's most profound and perplexing ideas. Far more than just an impossibly large number, it is a fundamental idea that transcends the boundaries of mere quantity, challenging our perceptions of existence, time, and space. From...

The Mind-Body Problem in Modern Science and Mind

by Henry Montgomery in Mind

The Enduring Enigma: The Mind-Body Problem in Modern Science The relationship between the mind and the body stands as one of philosophy's most persistent and profound riddles. How does the subjective world of thoughts, feelings, and consciousness arise from the objective, physical matter of the brain? This question,...

Causality in Physics and Metaphysics and Cause

by Emily Fletcher in Cause

The Unseen Threads: Causality in Physics and Metaphysics Have you ever stopped to truly ponder why things happen? It's a question that has captivated thinkers for millennia, from ancient philosophers dissecting the very fabric of existence to modern physicists probing the universe's deepest secrets. At the...

The Concept of the Soul in Ancient Philosophy and Soul

by Henry Montgomery in Soul

The Enduring Enigma: Tracing the Concept of the Soul in Ancient Philosophy The soul, that elusive yet fundamental aspect of human being, has captivated philosophers for millennia. From the earliest whispers of ancient Greece to the sophisticated systems of Plato and Aristotle, the inquiry into the soul's nature,...

The Idea of Form in Metaphysics and Idea

by Henry Montgomery in Idea

Unveiling the Eternal Blueprints: The Idea of Form in Metaphysics Summary: The "Idea of Form" is a foundational concept in metaphysics, primarily articulated by Plato and later reinterpreted by Aristotle, profoundly shaping Western philosophy's understanding of reality, knowledge, and Being. It posits that beyond the fleeting,...

The Distinction Between Mind and Soul and Distinction

by Emily Fletcher in Distinction

The Elusive Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Mind and Soul A Journey Through the Metaphysics of Self From the earliest stirrings of philosophical inquiry, humanity has grappled with the nature of its inner self. What animates us? What thinks, feels, and wills? These questions inevitably lead us to the concepts...

The Problem of Time and Eternity and Problem

by Emily Fletcher in Problem

The Problem of Time and Eternity: A Philosophical Conundrum A Fleeting Glance at the Problem The human experience is inextricably bound by Time. We live in a world of succession, change, and duration, where moments pass, futures become presents, and presents recede into the past. Yet, philosophy, theology, and Metaphysics...

The Concept of Being in Metaphysics and Concept

by Emily Fletcher in Concept

The Unseen Foundation: Exploring the Concept of Being in Metaphysics The concept of "Being" stands as the bedrock of philosophical inquiry, particularly within the realm of Metaphysics. At its core, "Being" refers to the fundamental reality of existence itself – that which is. It is the most...

The Element of Good and Evil in the World and Element

by Daniel Fletcher in Element

The Enduring Element of Good and Evil in Our World: A Metaphysical Inquiry Summary: Unraveling the Primal Dichotomy From the earliest myths to the most intricate philosophical treatises, the concepts of good and evil have stood as a fundamental element of human experience and a persistent challenge to our understanding...

The Philosophical Concept of Being and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

Unveiling the Enigma: The Philosophical Concept of Being The concept of Being stands as one of the most fundamental and enduring inquiries within philosophy. Far from a simple dictionary definition, it delves into the very nature of existence itself—what it means for anything to be, to exist, or to...

The Philosophical Problem of One and Many and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Philosophical Problem of One and Many The Philosophical Problem of One and Many stands as one of the most fundamental and persistent questions in intellectual history, a cornerstone of Metaphysics. At its heart, it asks how the seemingly diverse and numerous things we experience in...

The Nature of The Concept of Being in Relation to Quality

by Daniel Fletcher in Being

The Concept of Being in Relation to Quality In the vast tapestry of philosophical inquiry, few concepts are as foundational yet as elusive as Being. What does it mean for something to be? And how does this fundamental Being connect with the Quality of that thing – the attributes, characteristics, and...

The Concept of God as First Cause and God

by Emily Fletcher in God

The Unmoved Mover: Exploring God as First Cause The concept of God as the First Cause is one of philosophy's most enduring and profound inquiries, stretching back to antiquity and continuing to shape our understanding of existence. At its core, this idea posits that the universe, with all...

The Problem of Time and Infinity and Problem

by Daniel Fletcher in Problem

The Problem of Time and Infinity: A Metaphysical Conundrum The Problem of Time and Infinity stands as one of the most profound and persistent challenges in Metaphysics, probing the very fabric of existence and our understanding of reality. At its core, it asks us to grapple with concepts that defy...

The Logic of Same and Other in Metaphysics and Logic

by Daniel Sanderson in Logic

Navigating Reality: The Logic of Same and Other in Metaphysics The distinction between "Same" and "Other" forms the bedrock of metaphysical inquiry, offering the fundamental logical tools by which we categorize, understand, and articulate the nature of Being. This seemingly simple dichotomy allows us to discern...

The Philosophy of Space and Philosophy

by Emily Fletcher in Philosophy

The Philosophy of Space: Unpacking the Void Have you ever stopped to truly ponder what "space" is? It's more than just the vast expanse between stars or the empty room around you. For millennia, philosophers have grappled with the fundamental nature of space, moving beyond its...

The Metaphysical Problem of the One and Many and Metaphysics

by Daniel Sanderson in Metaphysics

The Enduring Riddle of Existence: Unpacking the Metaphysical Problem of the One and Many The cosmos, in all its bewildering complexity, presents us with a fundamental paradox: how can a reality teeming with multiplicity ultimately derive from, or cohere within, a singular unity? This is the essence of The Metaphysical...

The Element of Being and Non-Being and Element

by Benjamin Richmond in Element

The Fundamental Flux: Unpacking the Element of Being and Non-Being A Core Metaphysical Inquiry The question of Being and Non-Being stands as one of the most ancient and persistent inquiries in metaphysics, forming a foundational element of philosophical thought. This supporting article delves into the profound opposition between what is...

The Definition of Quality and Form and Definition

by Emily Fletcher in Definition

The Enduring Enigma: Defining Quality and Form in Metaphysics In the intricate tapestry of metaphysics, the definition of Quality and Form stands as a foundational inquiry, shaping our understanding of reality itself. This article delves into these two profound concepts, exploring how ancient and modern thinkers, from Plato's...

The Philosophical Problem of Quantity and Philosophy

by Henry Montgomery in Philosophy

The Philosophical Problem of Quantity: Beyond Mere Counting The concept of quantity might seem straightforward at first glance. We count objects, measure distances, and quantify experiences daily. Yet, beneath this seemingly simple act of enumeration lies a profound and enduring philosophical problem that has vexed thinkers for millennia. This article...

The Problem of Causality in Metaphysics and Cause

by Daniel Sanderson in Cause

Unraveling the Threads: The Enduring Problem of Causality in Metaphysics The universe, in all its perplexing grandeur, seems to operate on a fundamental principle: cause and effect. From the simplest flick of a domino to the grand sweep of cosmic evolution, we instinctively understand that events don't just...

The Nature of Eternity and Time and Eternity

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Eternity

The Unfolding Tapestry: Exploring the Nature of Eternity and Time The concepts of eternity and time stand as two of the most profound and perplexing subjects in metaphysics. They are not merely abstract notions but fundamental frameworks through which we perceive reality, existence, and even our own mortality. From ancient...

The Idea of God as a First Principle and God

by Daniel Fletcher in God

In the grand tapestry of Western thought, few concepts have been as persistently debated, deeply explored, and fundamentally significant as the Idea of God. Yet, for the philosopher, especially one delving into Metaphysics, "God" often transcends mere theological doctrine, emerging instead as a profound First Principle—an ultimate...

The Immortality of the Soul and Immortality

by Emily Fletcher in Immortality

Unveiling the Eternal: A Journey into the Immortality of the Soul The concept of the immortality of the soul stands as one of humanity's most enduring and profound inquiries, touching the very core of our existence and our understanding of what it means to be. This article delves...

Defining the One and the Many and One and Many

by Henry Montgomery in One and Many

The Enduring Riddle: Defining the One and the Many in Metaphysics The philosophical problem of the One and Many stands as a bedrock inquiry within Metaphysics, challenging thinkers across millennia to grapple with the fundamental Definition of reality itself. At its core, this profound question asks: Is reality ultimately singular...

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