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 Problem of Time and Infinity: A Metaphysical Conundrum The problem of Time and Infinity stands as one of Metaphysics' most enduring enigmas, challenging our fundamental understanding of existence. This article explores how these concepts intertwine, examining historical philosophical perspectives from the Great Books of the Western World and...
The Enduring Conundrum: The Problem of Evil (Sin) in the World The existence of suffering, malevolence, and moral failings in a World purportedly governed by a benevolent and omnipotent power presents one of philosophy and theology's most profound and persistent challenges: The Problem of Evil (Sin). This article...
The Unfolding Mystery: Time, Consciousness, and the Human Mind The problem of time and consciousness stands as one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing challenges. It's a fundamental inquiry into the very fabric of our being, probing how our subjective experience of time — its relentless flow,...
The Problem of Labor in the State: A Philosophical Inquiry The relationship between individual labor and the overarching State has been a persistent and often perplexing problem throughout philosophical history. From ancient city-states to modern global economies, thinkers have grappled with how human effort, the bedrock of all wealth and...
The Enduring Problem of Sin and Desire: A Philosophical Inquiry This article explores the profound philosophical problem of sin and desire, a perennial tension within human experience that has captivated thinkers for millennia. We will delve into how philosophers from the Great Books of the Western World have grappled with...
The Enduring Conundrum: Navigating the Problem of Fate and Chance The human experience is a tapestry woven with threads of choice and circumstance, aspiration and accident. Yet, beneath this intricate surface lies one of philosophy's most persistent and perplexing questions: the Problem of Fate and Chance. Are our...
The Enduring Conundrum: Navigating the Problem of Good and Evil in the World The problem of good and evil is perhaps the most ancient and persistent philosophical and theological challenge humanity faces. How do we reconcile the undeniable presence of suffering, injustice, and malevolence in the world with our innate...
The Unending Enigma: Exploring the Problem of Infinity in Mathematics Infinity. The very word evokes a sense of the boundless, the immeasurable, stretching beyond the limits of human comprehension. Yet, for millennia, this seemingly abstract concept has presented a profound problem for both philosophy and mathematics, challenging our understanding of...
The Unseen Hand and the Roll of the Dice: Navigating the Problem of Fate and Chance Summary: The Problem of Fate and Chance stands as one of philosophy's most enduring puzzles, challenging our understanding of causality, freedom, and the very nature of existence. It asks whether events are...
The Enduring Enigma: Unraveling the Problem of Good and Evil in Our World Have you ever found yourself staring into the abyss of human suffering, or marveling at acts of profound kindness, and wondered: Why? Why is there so much pain, injustice, and destruction in a world that also holds...
The Unending Enigma: Exploring the Problem of Infinity in Mathematics The concept of infinity, a notion that stretches the very fabric of our understanding, has presented a persistent and profound problem throughout the history of mathematics and philosophy. Far from being a mere abstract curiosity, the problem of infinity fundamentally...
The Enduring Quandary: The Problem of Evil (Sin) in the World The existence of suffering and moral depravity in a world purportedly governed by an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent deity constitutes one of philosophy's most enduring and vexing problems. This article delves into the "Problem of Evil,...
The Elusive Dance: Time, Consciousness, and the Human Experience A Glimpse into the Chronos Enigma The Problem of Time and Consciousness represents one of the most enduring and perplexing challenges in philosophy. From the earliest musings on existence to the cutting edge of modern physics, thinkers have grappled with the...
The Problem of Labor in the State: A Philosophical Conundrum The organization and experience of labor within the framework of the state present a perennial philosophical problem, one that cuts to the heart of justice, freedom, and the distribution of wealth. From ancient city-states grappling with slavery to modern industrial...
The Intractable Knot: Unraveling The Problem of Sin and Desire The human condition is perpetually entangled in the intricate dance between our deepest yearnings and our moral compass. "The Problem of Sin and Desire" explores this fundamental tension, examining how our innate cravings often clash with our pursuit...
The Enduring Riddle: Unpacking the Problem of Fate and Chance The human experience is a tapestry woven with threads of aspiration, regret, decision, and consequence. But how much of this intricate design is truly our own making, and how much is predetermined by forces beyond our control? This fundamental question...
Navigating the Labyrinth: The Problem of Good and Evil in the World The existence of suffering, injustice, and malevolence in a world often perceived as beautiful and ordered presents one of humanity's most enduring and perplexing philosophical challenges: the Problem of Good and Evil. From the earliest myths...
The Enduring Problem of Infinity in Mathematics: A Philosophical Journey The concept of infinity stands as one of the most profound and unsettling problems in both mathematics and philosophy. Far from being a mere abstract construct, infinity challenges our very understanding of quantity, existence, and the limits of human reason....
The Philosophical Quandary of Chance in Evolution The Problem of Chance in Evolution represents a profound philosophical and scientific dilemma, challenging our understanding of purpose, design, and the very nature of existence. At its core, this problem grapples with the pervasive role of chance in the grand narrative of biological...
Chains of Destiny or Threads of Choice? Unraveling the Problem of Fate and Necessity The Timeless Quandary of Our Existence The Problem of Fate and Necessity grapples with one of philosophy's most enduring and deeply personal questions: Are our lives predetermined by an unyielding cosmic script, or do...
The Enduring Conundrum: Unpacking the Problem of Being and Knowledge At the heart of all philosophical inquiry lies a fundamental Problem: the intricate, often perplexing relationship between Being and Knowledge. This isn't merely an academic exercise; it's the very bedrock upon which we build our understanding...
Navigating the Unfolding Mystery: The Problem of Time and Eternity The human experience is inextricably bound to Time. We live, breathe, and perceive within its relentless flow, marking moments, anticipating futures, and remembering pasts. Yet, philosophical inquiry, particularly within Metaphysics, often confronts us with the profound and perplexing concept of...
The Enduring Enigma: "The Problem of Space in Astronomy" From the ancient Greeks gazing at a finite cosmos to modern astrophysicists grappling with an expanding universe, the nature of space has presented a persistent and profound problem for both philosophy and astronomy. Far from being a mere empty...
The Perennial Riddle: Unpacking the Philosophical Problem of Life and Death The grand tapestry of human thought is woven with threads of fundamental questions, none perhaps more enduring or profound than those concerning life and death. This isn't merely a biological or medical inquiry; it is a quintessential...
The Enduring Conundrum: Unpacking the Problem of Sin and Will The human condition, a tapestry woven with threads of aspiration and despair, reason and passion, finds its most perplexing knot in the Problem of Sin and Will. This profound philosophical and theological inquiry grapples with our capacity for moral failing...
Unraveling the Enigma: The Enduring Problem of Time and Space The concepts of time and space, seemingly fundamental to our existence, present one of philosophy's most profound and persistent problems. Are they objective realities, immutable containers for events and objects, or merely constructs of our minds, essential frameworks...
The Enduring Enigma: Navigating The Problem of Matter and Mechanics The quest to understand the fundamental nature of reality has driven philosophical inquiry for millennia. At its heart lies The Problem of Matter and Mechanics, a profound philosophical challenge that asks not just what the world is made of, but...
The Enduring Conundrum: Grappling with the Problem of Evil (Sin) in the World For millennia, humanity has looked upon the tapestry of existence – a vibrant weave of beauty, order, and immense suffering. From the innocent's cry to the perpetrator's dark deed, the presence of malevolence and...
