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 Unyielding Divide: Examining the Opposition Between Liberty and Tyranny Introduction: The Perennial Conflict Human history, viewed through the lens of political philosophy, can often be understood as a ceaseless struggle between two fundamental forces: liberty and tyranny. This profound opposition is not merely a political construct but a deeply...
The Logic of Opposition: Navigating Contradiction in Thought For those of us at planksip, delving into the intricacies of human thought often leads us to fundamental concepts that underpin our very understanding of the world. One such concept, both ubiquitous and profound, is opposition. Far from being merely a source...
The Fundamental Dichotomy: Exploring the Element of Being and Non-Being Summary: At the very heart of philosophical inquiry, particularly within metaphysics, lies the profound element of Being and Non-Being. This foundational opposition explores the nature of existence itself—what it means for something to be versus not to be. From...
The Dynamics of Change and Opposition in Nature In the grand tapestry of existence, change and opposition are not mere incidental features but the very loom upon which reality is woven. From the ceaseless flow of Heraclitus's river to the intricate dance of particles described by modern Physics,...
The Element of Being and Non-Being: A Fundamental Metaphysical Inquiry The very act of questioning existence inevitably leads us to its elusive counterpart: non-existence. This article delves into the profound philosophical Element of Being and Non-Being, exploring their intricate Opposition as a cornerstone of Metaphysics. From ancient Greek thought to...
The Inescapable Dichotomy: Navigating the Opposition of Virtue and Vice Summary: At the heart of human experience lies a fundamental and perpetual opposition: that between virtue and vice. This isn't merely a theoretical construct but a lived reality, shaping individual character and societal structures. From the ancient Greek...
The Dynamics of Change and Opposition in Nature A Constant Flux: Understanding Existence Through Contradiction The very fabric of existence, from the smallest subatomic particle to the grandest cosmic ballet, is woven from the threads of change and opposition. This article explores how these fundamental forces are not mere incidental...
The Irreducible Tension: Unpacking the Principle of Opposition in Dialectic The Principle of Opposition lies at the very heart of dialectic, serving as the dynamic force that propels philosophical inquiry and understanding forward. It posits that genuine progress in thought often emerges from the encounter and engagement with opposing ideas,...
The Enduring Dance: Exploring the Opposition of Good and Evil in the World A Perpetual Struggle for Being The concept of Good and Evil is not merely a moral abstraction; it is a fundamental opposition that shapes our understanding of the World and our place within it. From ancient myths...
The Enduring Opposition: Liberty Against Tyranny The philosophical landscape is replete with fundamental conflicts, but few are as perennial and profound as the opposition between liberty and tyranny. This isn't merely a political struggle but a deep-seated tension concerning the very nature of human flourishing, the legitimate exercise...
The Fundamental Opposition of Virtue and Vice Summary: The concepts of virtue and vice stand as foundational pillars in ethical philosophy, representing the stark opposition between morally praiseworthy character traits and those deemed blameworthy. This enduring dichotomy, explored extensively throughout the Great Books of the Western World, is not merely...
The Enduring Riddle: Navigating the Problem of Change and Opposition The world around us is a vibrant tapestry of flux – seasons turn, thoughts evolve, and even the mountains erode over millennia. Yet, beneath this undeniable dynamism lies one of philosophy's most profound and persistent challenges: the Problem of...
The Enduring Conflict: Unpacking the Opposition of Virtue and Vice The essence of moral philosophy often hinges on a fundamental dichotomy: the opposition of virtue and vice. This article delves into this timeless struggle, exploring how these concepts define the landscape of human character and action. From the pursuit of...
The Unceasing Dance: Dynamics of Change and Opposition in Nature Summary: A Universe Forged in Flux From the ceaseless flow of a river to the fundamental interactions of subatomic particles, the universe is a testament to the intertwined forces of change and opposition. This article delves into how these two...
The Dynamic Heart of Reason: Exploring the Principle of Opposition in Dialectic The Principle of Opposition is not merely a philosophical concept; it's the very pulse of Dialectic, driving inquiry and understanding across the vast landscape of Philosophy. At its core, this principle posits that reality, thought, and...