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 Unseen Hand: Exploring the Principle of Cause and Effect in Mechanics Summary: The Principle of Cause and Effect stands as a foundational pillar in our understanding of the physical world, particularly within the realm of Mechanics and Physics. This article explores how this fundamental concept, deeply rooted in philosophical...
The Enduring Enigma: Unraveling the Universal Laws of Nature The cosmos, in its breathtaking expanse and intricate dance, often whispers of an underlying order. This order, which we instinctively feel and ceaselessly seek to comprehend, forms the very bedrock of existence: the Universal Laws of Nature. Far from mere scientific...
The Unshakeable Foundation: Exploring the Principle of Non-Contradiction At the very heart of all rational thought, underpinning every assertion of truth and every act of reasoning, lies a principle so fundamental it often goes unspoken: The Principle of Non-Contradiction. It is the bedrock upon which logic is built, a silent...
The Enduring Quest: Unpacking the Universal Concept of Law A Chloe Fitzgerald Dispatch from the Philosophical Trenches Summary: The notion of a Universal Concept of Law has captivated philosophers for millennia, representing humanity's persistent search for an order that transcends mere human decree. From ancient Greek ideals of...
The Unfolding Tapestry: Examining the Principle of Progress in History A Journey Beyond Mere Change The concept of progress in history is one of the most compelling and contentious ideas in human thought, a principle that posits an underlying directionality to the human story. It suggests that the vast sweep...
The Unseen Hand: Exploring the Universal Law of Cause and Effect By Henry Montgomery The Universal Law of Cause and Effect is not merely a scientific observation but a foundational Principle woven into the very fabric of existence, asserting that every effect has a preceding cause, and every cause will...
The Enduring Principle: Oppositional Forces in Nature The universe, in its grand, intricate dance, is not merely a collection of isolated phenomena but a vibrant tapestry woven from the ceaseless interplay of opposing forces. From the cosmic scale to the subatomic, and from the grand narratives of geological transformation to...
The Principle of Justice in War and Peace: A Philosophical Imperative The question of justice in human affairs is perhaps one of the most enduring and complex challenges philosophers have grappled with, particularly when confronting the extreme states of war and peace. This article explores the fundamental principle of justice...
The Immutable Symphony: Unveiling the Universal Laws of Mathematics Mathematics, often perceived merely as a tool for calculation or a language for science, stands as a profound testament to a deeper, inherent order within existence. This article posits that the principles governing mathematics are not arbitrary human constructs but rather...
The Uncaused Cause: Exploring God as the First Principle of Existence The human mind, in its ceaseless quest for understanding, inevitably arrives at the most fundamental questions: Why is there something rather than nothing? What is the ultimate origin of all that exists? This profound inquiry leads us to one...
The Unseen Current: Unpacking the Universal Principle of Desire At the heart of every action, every choice, and every aspiration lies a fundamental force: desire. Far from being a mere fleeting emotion, the Universal Principle of Desire posits that all living beings are driven by an intrinsic longing for some...
The Indispensable Anchor: Why Truth is the Bedrock of Knowledge Summary: For millennia, philosophers have grappled with the nature of knowledge. From the Socratic method to modern epistemology, one fundamental principle has endured: knowledge, by its very definition, necessitates truth. To claim to "know" something that is, in...
The Principle of War and Peace: A Philosophical Inquiry The human condition, since its earliest stirrings, has been profoundly shaped by the twin specters of war and peace. From the tribal skirmishes of antiquity to the global conflicts of the modern age, the question of why societies engage in violence,...
The Unyielding Bedrock of Thought: Exploring the Principle of Non-Contradiction The Silent Architect of All We Know Summary: The Principle of Non-Contradiction stands as one of the most fundamental tenets of Logic and Reasoning, asserting that something cannot both be and not be in the same respect at the same...
The Enduring Echo: Exploring the Universal Concept of Law Have you ever paused to consider what truly defines law? Beyond the statutes, decrees, and regulations that govern our daily lives, there lies a more profound inquiry: Is there a universal concept of Law that transcends cultural boundaries and historical epochs?...
