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.
Unpacking the Essence: The Definition of Rhetoric The definition of rhetoric is often debated, misunderstood, and even maligned, yet it remains a cornerstone of human communication and a profound area of philosophical inquiry. At its core, rhetoric is the art of persuasion, the systematic study of how language can be...
Understanding the Art of Deception: Analyzing Propaganda through Rhetoric The landscape of public discourse is perpetually shaped by forces vying for our attention and allegiance. Propaganda, often perceived as a modern invention, has deep historical roots in the skillful manipulation of rhetoric to sway public opinion. By dissecting the language...
Experience and the Formation of Opinion: A Philosophical Journey Our understanding of the world, and indeed our very beliefs, are profoundly shaped by the crucible of experience. From the moment our senses awaken to the myriad stimuli of existence, we begin an intricate process of gathering information, making judgments, and...
The Unveiling of Truth: Distinguishing Opinion from Sense In our relentless pursuit of understanding, few intellectual distinctions are as critical, yet often blurred, as that between opinion and sense. This fundamental distinction, explored by the greatest minds in the Great Books of the Western World, is not merely an academic...
Navigating the Labyrinth of Thought: The Logic of Judgment and Opinion A Concise Overview In our ceaseless pursuit of understanding, we constantly form ideas, draw conclusions, and express beliefs. This article delves into the fundamental philosophical distinction between judgment and opinion, exploring how logic serves as our indispensable guide in...
The Shifting Sands: Understanding the Role of Opinion in Democracy In the vibrant, sometimes tumultuous, landscape of a democratic society, opinion stands as both its bedrock and its most volatile element. Far from being mere personal preferences, the collective and individual opinions of citizens shape policies, elect leaders, and define...
Summary: The Unseen Hand – How Art Shapes Our Worldview Art is far more than mere aesthetics; it is a potent form of rhetoric, subtly and overtly influencing our opinion and molding the collective mind. From the ancient philosophical inquiries of Plato and Aristotle to the complex media landscapes of today,...
The Elusive Divide: Unpacking the Difference Between Opinion and Truth The distinction between opinion and truth is one of philosophy's oldest and most persistent quests, a fundamental inquiry that shapes our understanding of reality, knowledge, and even ourselves. At its core, an opinion is a subjective belief or...
The Eloquence of Power: Rhetoric's Enduring Grasp on Democracy In the grand theater of human governance, few forces wield as much subtle yet profound influence as rhetoric. It is the very breath of democracy, the essential medium through which opinion is forged, policies are debated, and collective will...
Good day, fellow seekers of wisdom. Henry Montgomery here, ready to embark on another journey into the intellectual currents that shape our understanding of the world. Today, we turn our gaze to a concept as ancient as philosophy itself, yet as vital as the morning's news: Rhetoric. Often...
Navigating the Labyrinth of Belief: The Nature of True Opinion (Doxa) In the grand tapestry of philosophical inquiry, few distinctions are as pivotal yet persistently elusive as that between mere opinion and genuine knowledge. This article delves into "true opinion," or doxa as the ancient Greeks termed it...
Analyzing Propaganda through Rhetoric: A Philosophical Lens Propaganda, at its core, is the deliberate manipulation of public opinion through persuasive language. This article will explore how understanding the principles of rhetoric, as articulated by ancient philosophers and refined over centuries, provides an indispensable tool for dissecting and resisting the often...
Experience and the Formation of Opinion Our understanding of the world, and indeed our very selves, is inextricably linked to the sum of our interactions with reality. This article posits that experience is the fundamental bedrock upon which all opinion is built. From the raw data gathered by our sense...
The Indispensable Art: The Role of Rhetoric in Opinion Formation At its core, rhetoric is far more than mere ornamentation of speech; it is the art of persuasion, a fundamental force in the shaping of opinion within any society. From the ancient Greek agora to the modern digital forum, the...
The Philosophical Basis of Rhetoric: More Than Mere Persuasion Rhetoric, often misunderstood as mere persuasive trickery, is in fact deeply rooted in philosophical inquiry. Far from being a superficial art, it is an ancient discipline that grapples with fundamental questions about truth, knowledge, ethics, and the very nature of human...
The Enduring Distinction Between Opinion and Truth The philosophical journey, from ancient Greece to our present digital age, has consistently grappled with a fundamental distinction: the chasm separating mere opinion from verifiable truth. At planksip.org, we believe understanding this difference is not just an academic exercise but a vital...
The Shifting Sands of Persuasion: Opinion's Indispensable Role in Democracy The health and vitality of any democracy hinge precariously on the collective opinion of its citizens. Far from being mere whims, these shared or divergent viewpoints are the very currency of political engagement, shaping everything from policy decisions...
The Subtle Architects of Belief: How Art Shapes Our Opinions Art is far more than mere aesthetics; it is a potent, often subversive, force in the formation and transformation of human opinion. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary digital installations, art acts as a powerful rhetoric, subtly infiltrating the mind...
The Enduring Quest: Navigating the Waters Between Opinion and Truth The distinction between opinion and truth forms the very bedrock of philosophical inquiry, a journey from the shifting sands of personal belief to the solid ground of objective reality. At its core, this difference isn't merely academic; it...
The Unseen Architect: How Rhetoric Shapes Democracy Summary: In a democracy, where collective decisions are forged from diverse viewpoints, rhetoric is not merely an ornamental art but the fundamental engine of public discourse. It is through the skillful deployment of language that ideas are articulated, arguments are presented, and public...
