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 Question of Reality: What is Form? In the vast landscape of metaphysics, few concepts have been as foundational and enduring as the Idea of Form. This concept posits that beyond the fleeting, ever-changing appearances of our sensory world, there exist perfect, immutable essences—Forms—that constitute true reality...
Summary: This article explores the nuanced and often conflated concepts of mind and soul, tracing their historical evolution from ancient Greek philosophy through medieval theology and modern metaphysics. We will delve into the distinct attributes traditionally ascribed to each, examining how thinkers from Plato and Aristotle to Descartes grappled with...
The Problem of Time and Eternity: A Journey Through Metaphysical Depths Summary: The concepts of Time and Eternity stand as two of the most profound and perplexing subjects in philosophy, challenging our very understanding of existence. From ancient inquiries into the nature of change and permanence to modern physics'...
Unveiling the Unseen: The Concept of Being in Metaphysics The concept of Being stands as the bedrock of Metaphysics, the branch of philosophy dedicated to exploring the fundamental nature of reality. It's the ultimate question we can ask: What is it to be? This isn't just...
The Enduring Enigma: Deconstructing the Element of Good and Evil in the World The question of good and evil stands as a perennial crucible for philosophical inquiry, a fundamental element that shapes our understanding of existence, morality, and the very fabric of the world. This article delves into the metaphysics...
The Philosophical Concept of Being: An Inquiry into Existence Itself The concept of Being stands as the bedrock of philosophical inquiry, a fundamental principle that underpins all other questions about reality, knowledge, and value. In its simplest form, Being refers to existence itself – to what is, as opposed to what...
Unpacking the Essence: The Philosophical Definition of Quality and Form Summary: At the heart of philosophical inquiry lies the persistent challenge of definition. This article delves into how philosophy, particularly Metaphysics, grapples with the concepts of Quality and Form to understand the fundamental nature of reality. Drawing from the rich...
The Enduring Enigma: Grappling with the Philosophical Problem of Quantity The everyday act of counting or measuring seems utterly straightforward. We tally apples, weigh flour, or clock distances with an almost instinctive understanding. Yet, beneath this practical veneer lies one of philosophy's most profound and persistent challenges: the...
The Enduring Enigma of Causality: A Metaphysical Conundrum Summary: The problem of causality stands as a foundational, yet profoundly perplexing, issue within metaphysics. Far from being a simple observation of events, the nature of cause and effect probes the very fabric of reality, questioning whether connections between phenomena are truly...
Unraveling the Fabric: A Philosophical Journey Through Eternity and Time The concepts of Eternity and Time are among the most profound and perplexing in all of Metaphysics. From the fleeting moment to the boundless unknown, these twin pillars shape our understanding of existence, consciousness, and the very fabric of reality....
The Idea of God as a First Principle: A Metaphysical Cornerstone In the grand tapestry of Western thought, the Idea of God has often transcended mere theological doctrine to become a fundamental Principle in Metaphysics. This article explores how, across various philosophical traditions rooted in the Great Books of the...
The Enduring Enigma: Exploring the Immortality of the Soul The question of whether the human soul is immortal stands as one of philosophy's most profound and persistent inquiries, deeply embedded in our collective intellectual and spiritual heritage. It touches upon our understanding of self, consciousness, life, death, and...
Defining the One and the Many: An Enduring Metaphysical Inquiry The grand tapestry of existence, as we perceive it, is a bewildering array of distinct entities, fleeting moments, and individual experiences. Yet, beneath this vibrant multiplicity, there often stirs a profound intuition of an underlying unity, a singular truth or...
The Enduring Enigma: The Metaphysical Status of Universal Ideas Summary: Where Do Our Concepts Reside? The metaphysical status of universal ideas is one of philosophy's oldest and most profound debates. At its heart lies the question: Do general concepts like "redness," "justice," or "...
The Enduring Riddle of Existence: Unpacking the Distinction Between Being and Essence For centuries, philosophers have wrestled with fundamental questions about reality. Among the most profound is the distinction between being and essence. This isn't merely an academic exercise; it's a foundational concept in Metaphysics that...
In the grand tapestry of human existence, few concepts are as profoundly debated, intimately experienced, and stubbornly resistant to definitive categorization as Good and Evil. This article delves into the philosophical inquiry surrounding these fundamental forces, exploring whether they are inherent elements of the world's metaphysics or constructs...
The Unfolding Mystery: A Deep Dive into the Philosophical Concept of Being The question of "Being" stands as the bedrock of all philosophical inquiry, a concept so fundamental yet so elusive that it has captivated thinkers for millennia. At its core, the philosophical concept of Being asks: What...