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 Dance of Being: Unpacking the Matter-Form Distinction in Physical Objects Have you ever stopped to truly ponder what makes a physical object what it is? Not just its surface appearance, but its very essence, its fundamental constituents? For centuries, philosophers have grappled with this profound question, and one...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Metaphysical Concept of Being A Journey into the Heart of Existence At the very core of philosophical inquiry lies a question so fundamental, yet so elusive, that it has captivated thinkers for millennia: What does it mean to be? This isn't a simple...
The Limitless Nature of Infinity: A Journey Beyond Bounds The concept of infinity stands as one of humanity's most profound and perplexing ideas, a boundless horizon that challenges the very limits of our comprehension. Far from being a mere mathematical abstraction, infinity permeates the realms of mathematics, metaphysics,...
Bridging the Chasm: The Mind-Body Problem in Modern Science The intricate relationship between our conscious experience and the physical stuff of our brains and bodies remains one of philosophy's most enduring puzzles. Far from being relegated to dusty academic tomes, the Mind-Body problem sits at the very heart...
Causality's Intricate Dance: From Atoms to Abstractions The concept of cause underpins our entire understanding of reality, from the simplest physical interactions to the grandest philosophical questions about existence itself. This article delves into the fascinating, often perplexing, journey of causality, exploring its manifestations in the precise world...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Concept of the Soul in Ancient Philosophy The question of "what we are" is arguably the most profound inquiry humanity has ever posed. Long before neuroscience or psychology, ancient philosophers grappled with this fundamental mystery, articulating diverse and often revolutionary concepts of the...
Defining the One and the Many: A Core Metaphysical Inquiry The philosophical problem of the One and Many stands as a foundational pillar in Metaphysics, challenging thinkers across millennia to reconcile the apparent unity of existence with its undeniable diversity. At its heart, this inquiry seeks a coherent Definition for...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Metaphysical Status of Universal Ideas The world around us is a vibrant tapestry of individual things: this specific red apple, that particular barking dog, my unique wooden chair. Yet, we effortlessly group these distinct entities under broader categories – "apple," "dog," "...
The Enduring Quest: Unpacking the Idea of Form in Metaphysics The concept of Form, or Idea, stands as a monumental pillar in the grand edifice of Metaphysics, the philosophical pursuit of understanding fundamental reality and the nature of Being. From ancient Greece, this notion has profoundly shaped Western thought, offering...
Navigating the Unfolding Mystery: The Problem of Time and Eternity The human experience is inextricably bound to Time. We live, breathe, and perceive within its relentless flow, marking moments, anticipating futures, and remembering pasts. Yet, philosophical inquiry, particularly within Metaphysics, often confronts us with the profound and perplexing concept of...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Concept of Being in Metaphysics The concept of Being stands as the bedrock of metaphysics, arguably the most fundamental element of philosophical inquiry. It is the profound, perplexing question of existence itself: What does it mean to be? This article delves into the historical evolution...
The Enduring Element: Deconstructing Good and Evil in Our World The concepts of good and evil are not mere abstractions; they are fundamental elements woven into the very fabric of our world and consciousness. From ancient myths to modern ethics, humanity has grappled with defining, understanding, and contending with these...
The Enigma of Existence: Exploring the Philosophical Concept of Being The question of "Being" stands as the bedrock of philosophy, an ancient and enduring inquiry into the very nature of existence itself. Far from a simple dictionary definition, the philosophical concept of Being delves into what it means...
Navigating the Labyrinth of Identity: The Logic of Same and Other in Metaphysics The philosophical journey into the nature of reality often begins with seemingly simple questions: What is real? How do we distinguish one thing from another? At the heart of these inquiries lies the profound interplay of Same...
The Element of Being and Non-Being: Unveiling Existence's Core Opposition Summary: At the very foundation of existence lies a profound philosophical "Element": the intrinsic and dynamic relationship between Being and Non-Being. This article delves into how these two seemingly disparate concepts are not merely opposites, but...
The Enduring Quest for Definition: Unpacking Quality and Form The very bedrock of philosophical inquiry often begins with the simple yet profound act of definition. To understand anything, we must first attempt to articulate what it is. In the grand tapestry of philosophical thought, particularly within the annals of the...
The Enduring Enigma: Navigating the Problem of Causality in Metaphysics The universe, in its bewildering complexity, seems to operate on a principle so fundamental that we rarely question it in our daily lives: cause and effect. We instinctively understand that dropping a glass causes it to break, or that gravity...