Opinion

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.

596 posts

The Philosophical Basis of Rhetoric and Philosophy

by Daniel Sanderson in Philosophy

The Philosophical Basis of Rhetoric: Beyond Mere Persuasion The art of rhetoric, often dismissed as mere persuasion or clever wordplay, possesses a profound philosophical foundation. Far from being a superficial technique, rhetoric, at its core, grapples with fundamental questions about truth, knowledge, human nature, and the very fabric of our...

The Distinction Between Opinion and Truth and Distinction

by Benjamin Richmond in Distinction

The Distinction Between Opinion and Truth: A Journey Towards Knowledge Friends, fellow seekers of wisdom, let us embark on a fundamental philosophical inquiry: the crucial distinction between opinion and truth. At its core, this difference separates subjective belief from objective reality, personal perspective from universal understanding. While opinions are invaluable...

The Logic of Opinion and Belief and Logic

by Daniel Fletcher in Logic

The Intricate Tapestry: Unraveling the Logic of Opinion and Belief Summary: Our everyday lives are saturated with opinions and beliefs, often taken for granted as mere personal preferences. However, a deeper philosophical inquiry reveals that beneath this subjective surface lies a complex interplay of logic, experience, and the very architecture...

The Logic of Opinion and Knowledge and Logic

by Benjamin Richmond in Logic

The Logic of Opinion and Knowledge: Navigating the Labyrinth of Belief In an age awash with information, distinguishing between mere opinion and genuine knowledge has never been more critical. This article delves into the philosophical bedrock of this distinction, exploring how logic serves as our indispensable guide in the relentless...

The Role of Emotion in Political Opinion and Emotion

by Emily Fletcher in Emotion

The Heart of the Matter: Exploring the Role of Emotion in Political Opinion Summary: The formation of political opinion is often perceived as a purely rational process, yet a closer examination reveals that emotion plays a profound and frequently decisive role. From ancient philosophical inquiries into human nature to contemporary...

The Power of Language to Create Opinion and Language

by Benjamin Richmond in Language

The Architect of Belief: How Language Forges Our Opinions Language is far more than a simple tool for communication; it is the very forge upon which our understanding of reality, and consequently, our opinions, are hammered out. From the subtle nuances of a metaphor to the grand pronouncements of rhetoric,...

The Nature of Democracy and Rhetoric and Nature

by Daniel Sanderson in Nature

The Enduring Dance: Democracy, Rhetoric, and the Shaping of Public Opinion In the intricate tapestry of political philosophy, few threads are as tightly interwoven as the nature of democracy and the pervasive force of rhetoric. From the ancient Athenian agora to the digital forums of today, the health and direction...

The Distinction Between Opinion and Sense and Distinction

by Benjamin Richmond in Distinction

The Enduring Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Opinion and Sense The human quest for understanding is profoundly shaped by how we categorize our experiences and beliefs. At the heart of this philosophical journey, a fundamental distinction emerges: that between mere opinion and the raw data of sense perception, and how...

The Logic of Judgment and Opinion and Logic

by Emily Fletcher in Logic

Navigating the Labyrinth: The Logic of Judgment and Opinion In a world awash with information and countless perspectives, the ability to discern and articulate our views is more crucial than ever. But what truly underpins what we believe? Is there a fundamental Logic to how we arrive at our conclusions,...

The Role of Opinion in Democracy and Opinion

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Opinion

Beyond Belief: The Indispensable Yet Perilous Role of Opinion in Democracy In the grand theatre of democracy, opinion is both the script and the audience's applause, the very currency by which collective decisions are made and leaders are chosen. It is the spontaneous murmur of the crowd, the...

The Role of Art in Shaping Opinion and Art

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Art

The Canvas of Persuasion: Art's Indelible Mark on Opinion Art, in its myriad forms, is far more than mere decoration or aesthetic pleasure; it is a profound and often subtle force in the shaping of human opinion. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary digital installations, artists have wielded...

The Difference Between Opinion and Truth and Opinion

by Daniel Sanderson in Opinion

The Enduring Divide: Navigating the Labyrinth Between Opinion and Truth The distinction between opinion and truth is not merely an academic exercise; it is a foundational pillar of critical thought, essential for navigating the complexities of human understanding and for building a coherent view of the world. Simply put, an...

The Power of Rhetoric in Democracy and Rhetoric

by Benjamin Richmond in Rhetoric

The Unseen Architect: How Rhetoric Shapes Democracy This article explores the profound and often underestimated influence of rhetoric in democratic societies. From the ancient Greek agora to modern digital forums, rhetoric – the art of persuasive language – has been instrumental in forming public opinion, driving political discourse, and ultimately defining the...

The Definition of Rhetoric and Definition

by Henry Montgomery in Definition

The Enduring Definition of Rhetoric: Beyond Mere Persuasion The term "rhetoric" often conjures images of manipulative politicians or flowery, insincere speeches. Yet, to truly grasp its essence, we must delve into its profound and ancient definition, recognizing it not merely as a tool for deceit, but as a...

The Nature of True Opinion (Doxa) and Opinion

by Daniel Sanderson in Opinion

The Elusive Nature of True Opinion (Doxa): A Philosophical Inquiry In the vast landscape of human thought, few distinctions have proven as enduring and foundational as the one between opinion and knowledge. This article delves into the concept of doxa, or opinion, particularly focusing on its "true" form,...

Experience and the Formation of Opinion and Experience

by Daniel Sanderson in Experience

Experience and the Formation of Opinion Our understanding of the world, and indeed our very selves, is inextricably linked to the tapestry of our experiences. From the raw data of our senses to the complex interpretations of our minds, experience serves as the bedrock upon which our opinions are formed....

The Philosophical Basis of Rhetoric and Philosophy

by Daniel Sanderson in Philosophy

The Enduring Philosophical Roots of Rhetoric From the bustling agora of ancient Athens to the digital forums of today, the art of persuasion – rhetoric – has been an indispensable force in shaping human thought and action. But to dismiss rhetoric as mere sophistry or elaborate window-dressing for ideas is to overlook...

The Distinction Between Opinion and Truth and Distinction

by Benjamin Richmond in Distinction

The Enduring Divide: Navigating the Distinction Between Opinion and Truth In the vast landscape of human thought, few concepts are as fundamental, yet often conflated, as opinion and truth. While opinions are personal beliefs often shaped by experience, emotion, and interpretation, truth aims for an objective correspondence with reality, verifiable...

The Logic of Opinion and Belief and Logic

by Daniel Fletcher in Logic

The Logic of Opinion and Belief: Navigating the Labyrinth of the Mind A Summary of Our Epistemic Journey In an age awash with information, understanding the distinctions between opinion, belief, and true knowledge has never been more critical. This article delves into the intricate relationship between these cognitive states, examining...

The Logic of Opinion and Knowledge and Logic

by Benjamin Richmond in Logic

The Logic of Opinion and Knowledge: Navigating the Intellectual Landscape In the sprawling tapestry of human thought, few distinctions are as vital, yet frequently blurred, as that between opinion and knowledge. This article embarks on an exploration of this fundamental divide, illuminating the indispensable role of logic as the compass...

The Role of Emotion in Political Opinion and Emotion

by Emily Fletcher in Emotion

The Emotional Undercurrents of Political Opinion: A Philosophical Inquiry The landscape of political discourse, often presented as a battle of ideas and reasoned arguments, is in truth profoundly shaped by the subtle, yet powerful, currents of emotion. Far from being mere irrational interferences, emotions are fundamental drivers of human action...

The Power of Language to Create Opinion and Language

by Benjamin Richmond in Language

The Architect of Belief: How Language Forges Opinion Language is far more than a mere vessel for ideas; it is the very forge where opinions are hammered into shape, given form, and imbued with conviction. From the simplest utterance to the most complex philosophical treatise, the words we choose, the...

The Nature of Democracy and Rhetoric and Nature

by Daniel Sanderson in Nature

The Enduring Dance: Democracy and the Art of Persuasion Summary: The Intertwined Fates of Governance and Discourse The very nature of democratic governance, from its ancient Athenian origins to its modern iterations, is profoundly and inextricably linked to the art of rhetoric. This article delves into their complex relationship, exploring...

The Distinction Between Opinion and Sense and Distinction

by Benjamin Richmond in Distinction

The Enduring Distinction: Navigating the Realms of Opinion and Sense Towards Knowledge Summary: In our increasingly complex world, the ability to discern between subjective opinion and a more grounded sense or reasoned understanding is paramount. This article, drawing from the profound insights of the Great Books of the Western World,...

The Logic of Judgment and Opinion and Logic

by Emily Fletcher in Logic

The Logic of Judgment and Opinion: Navigating the Path to Truth Summary: In our quest for understanding, we constantly form beliefs and evaluate claims. This article explores the fundamental distinction between opinion and judgment, highlighting the critical role of logic in transforming subjective perspectives into reasoned conclusions. Drawing inspiration from...

The Role of Opinion in Democracy and Opinion

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Opinion

The Role of Opinion in Democracy In the intricate tapestry of democratic governance, opinion is not merely a fleeting thought but the very thread that weaves together the collective will of a society. It is the fundamental unit of political participation, allowing each citizen to contribute to the ongoing dialogue...

The Role of Art in Shaping Opinion and Art

by Chloe Fitzgerald in Art

The Canvas of Persuasion: Art's Indelible Mark on Opinion Art is far more than mere decoration or aesthetic pleasure; it is a profound and often understated force, a subtle yet potent form of rhetoric that profoundly shapes our opinions and worldview. Engaging the mind through emotion, narrative, and...

The Difference Between Opinion and Truth and Opinion

by Daniel Sanderson in Opinion

Beyond Belief: Navigating the Labyrinth of Opinion and the Pursuit of Truth In an age saturated with information, the ability to discern the difference between mere opinion and verifiable truth has never been more crucial. This article serves as a guide through the philosophical terrain that separates subjective belief from...

The Power of Rhetoric in Democracy and Rhetoric

by Benjamin Richmond in Rhetoric

The Power of Rhetoric in Democracy The Indispensable Art of Persuasion Rhetoric, often misunderstood and sometimes maligned, is the very bloodstream of democracy. At its core, rhetoric is the art of persuasion through effective language, a skill that shapes public opinion, mobilizes citizens, and ultimately determines the direction of collective...

The Definition of Rhetoric and Definition

by Henry Montgomery in Definition

The Art of Persuasion: Unpacking the Definition of Rhetoric The concept of rhetoric, often misunderstood or maligned, stands as one of the most profound and enduring subjects in philosophical inquiry. At its core, rhetoric is the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, particularly the use of figures of...

The Nature of True Opinion (Doxa) and Opinion

by Daniel Sanderson in Opinion

The Elusive Grasp of True Opinion: Navigating Doxa Towards Episteme Summary: In philosophy, true opinion (or doxa) occupies a fascinating and often perplexing space between mere belief and genuine knowledge. While a true opinion correctly reflects reality, it lacks the stable, reasoned justification that defines knowledge. Drawing heavily from classical...

Analyzing Propaganda through Rhetoric and Rhetoric

by Emily Fletcher in Rhetoric

Analyzing Propaganda Through Rhetoric: The Philosophical Lens The Unseen Architect of Beliefs: Discerning Truth in a Sea of Persuasion Propaganda, in its essence, is the deliberate manipulation of public opinion through persuasive language. To truly understand its insidious nature, we must turn to the venerable art of rhetoric – the study...

Experience and the Formation of Opinion and Experience

by Daniel Sanderson in Experience

The Crucible of Consciousness: How Experience Forges Our Opinions By Daniel Sanderson Our understanding of the world, and indeed our very place within it, is fundamentally shaped by the continuous interplay between what we encounter and how we interpret it. At its core, the formation of our opinions is an...

The Role of Rhetoric in Opinion Formation and Role

by Daniel Fletcher in Role

The Enduring Role of Rhetoric in Shaping Public Opinion In the grand theatre of human discourse, few forces wield as profound an influence as rhetoric. From the ancient agora to the sprawling digital forums of today, its role in shaping, swaying, and solidifying public opinion is undeniable. Far more than...

You’ve successfully subscribed to planksip®
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.
Please enter at least 3 characters 0 Results for your search