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 Principle of Progress in Evolution: A Nuanced Perspective The notion of progress is deeply ingrained in human thought, often serving as a guiding star for our aspirations. When we turn this lens toward the grand narrative of evolution, however, the waters become considerably muddier. Is there an inherent Principle...
The Universal Principle of Life: An Enduring Inquiry The quest to understand the fundamental essence of existence has captivated thinkers for millennia. At the heart of this inquiry lies the concept of a "Universal Principle of Life"—an underlying force, structure, or pattern that animates all living things,...
The Enduring Question: Unpacking the Universal Principle of Immortality The concept of immortality, a timeless subject of human contemplation, often conjures images of endless life or spiritual transcendence. Yet, beneath these varied interpretations lies a profound philosophical inquiry: Is there a universal principle of immortality? This article delves into the...
The Dynamic Core of Thought: Unpacking the Principle of Opposition in Dialectic The Principle of Opposition stands as a foundational concept within the vast landscape of Philosophy, particularly as it informs the method of Dialectic. At its core, this principle posits that understanding, truth, and progress often emerge not from...
Unveiling Existence: The Philosophical Quest for Being The concept of Being stands as the bedrock of philosophical inquiry, a term so fundamental yet so elusive that it has captivated thinkers for millennia. At its core, Being refers to the sheer fact of existence – that which is. It is the ultimate...
The Indissoluble Knot: Cause and Change The philosophical inquiry into the relation between cause and change stands as one of the most enduring and fundamental investigations in Western thought. At its core, this exploration seeks to understand how one event or state of affairs brings about another, and how this...
The Enduring Principle of Justice in War and Peace The question of justice, particularly when confronted with the stark realities of conflict and the profound aspiration for peace, stands as one of humanity's most persistent and complex philosophical inquiries. From the ancient battlefields described by Thucydides to the...
The Unyielding Fabric: Exploring the Universal Laws of Mathematics Summary: Mathematics, far from being a mere human construct, appears to reveal universal principles that govern existence itself. This article delves into the profound question of why mathematical laws hold true across all cultures and times, examining the distinction between the...
The Unseen Architect: Unpacking the Concept of God as First Cause The human mind, ever inquisitive, naturally seeks origins. From the simplest ripple in a pond to the vast expanse of the cosmos, we ask: why? This fundamental quest for ultimate explanation leads us to one of philosophy's...
The Unseen Current: Exploring the Universal Principle of Desire At the heart of every action, every aspiration, and every human endeavor lies a fundamental force: desire. It is a concept so pervasive, yet so often misunderstood, that its true significance can easily be overlooked. This article delves into what we...
The Indispensable Core: Why Knowledge Cannot Exist Without Truth Knowledge, in its most profound sense, is not merely a collection of beliefs or opinions, however strongly held. It is a justified apprehension of reality, and at its very heart lies the necessity of truth. Without truth, what we claim to...
The Inescapable Thread: Unraveling the Logical Connection Between Cause and Effect The concept of cause and effect underpins our entire understanding of the world, from the simplest physical interactions to the most complex historical narratives. Yet, what seems intuitively obvious—that one event necessarily leads to another—has been a...
Unraveling the Fabric of Reality: The Logic of Cause and Effect The universe, in all its perplexing grandeur, often appears to us as a grand tapestry woven from countless threads of action and reaction. At the heart of our attempt to comprehend this intricate design lies the fundamental concept of...
The Universal Principle of Reason: Navigating the Cosmos of Thought The Universal Principle of Reason stands as a foundational concept in the annals of philosophy, asserting that there exists an inherent, overarching rationality accessible to all human minds. This Principle posits a fundamental order to existence, an underlying logic that,...
The Theological Debate on God's Cause The question of God's cause stands as one of the most enduring and profound inquiries within theology and philosophy. It delves into the very nature of existence, causality, and the ultimate Principle behind all things. This pillar page explores the...
The Dynamic Engine of Thought: Unpacking the Principle of Opposition in Dialectic A Summary of Core Ideas At the heart of much philosophical inquiry lies the Principle of Opposition, a fundamental concept especially potent within the framework of Dialectic. This principle posits that understanding, knowledge, and even reality itself often...
Unveiling Existence: The Philosophical Concept of Being The question of Being stands as the bedrock of all philosophical inquiry, a concept so fundamental it often eludes easy definition, yet underpins every thought we entertain about reality, existence, and ourselves. Far from a mere academic exercise, grappling with Being is to...
The Enduring Pursuit: The Principle of Justice in War and Peace The human endeavor, marked by both profound cooperation and devastating conflict, has perpetually grappled with a singular, foundational question: How can we act justly? This query intensifies dramatically when confronted with the stark realities of war and peace. From...
