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 Ethical Duty of Temperance: A Cornerstone of Flourishing The concept of temperance, often relegated to a mere suggestion for moderation, stands, upon closer inspection, as a profound ethical duty. Far from being a quaint or outdated notion, it is a fundamental pillar of human flourishing, an indispensable virtue that...
The Idea of Temperance in Politics Summary: In the intricate dance of governance, the idea of temperance emerges as a crucial philosophical cornerstone. Far from mere moderation, it represents a profound self-mastery and balance essential for both individual flourishing and the stability of the state. This article explores how this...
The Ethical Tug-of-War: Navigating Temperance and Desire Summary: In the grand tapestry of human experience, few threads are as intricately woven as our desires and the ethical imperative to temper them. This article delves into how philosophers, from ancient Greece to the medieval era, explored Temperance as a cardinal virtue—...
The Role of Prudence in Temperance: A Guiding Hand for Self-Mastery Summary: In the pursuit of a well-lived life, Prudence stands as the intellectual architect, guiding Temperance—the moderation of our appetites and desires—to ensure it is applied appropriately and effectively. Without the discerning judgment of prudence, temperance risks...
The Virtue of Temperance in Wealth Management: A Philosophical Approach to Prosperity The pursuit and management of wealth often present a profound ethical challenge, testing the very core of our character. In a world that frequently equates success with accumulation, the ancient virtue of temperance offers a timeless compass. This...
The Measured Hand: Temperance in the Political Sphere The idea of temperance, often relegated to the realm of personal discipline, holds profound implications when extended to the complex machinery of government and politics. Far from a mere abstention, temperance represents a crucial virtue, a balanced and rational approach that seeks...
The Enduring Wisdom: Temperance, Health, and the Well-Ordered Life In a world often driven by excess and instant gratification, the ancient virtue of temperance emerges not merely as a moral guideline, but as a profound philosophical approach to physical and mental well-being. Far from a call to asceticism or deprivation,...
The Virtue of Temperance over Pleasure: A Path to Genuine Flourishing In a world constantly tempting us with immediate gratification, the ancient virtue of temperance often feels like a forgotten concept. Yet, as we delve into the wisdom preserved in the Great Books of the Western World, it becomes strikingly...
The Enduring Virtue of Temperance and Health: A Philosophical Prescription In an age of instant gratification and boundless consumption, the ancient virtue of temperance often feels like an anachronism. Yet, as we grapple with epidemics of chronic disease and mental disquiet, the wisdom embedded in this classical concept offers a...
The Virtue of Temperance in Political Leadership: A Bulwark Against Vice The success and stability of any government often hinge on the character of its leaders. Among the classical virtues, temperance stands as a crucial bulwark, essential for sound decision-making and the prevention of vice. This article explores why temperance,...
The Ethics of Temperance and Desire: Navigating Our Inner Landscape The interplay between temperance and desire forms a foundational pillar of ethical inquiry, challenging us to consider how we manage our intrinsic urges for a life of flourishing. At its core, ethics asks how we ought to live, and few...
In the classical philosophical tradition, particularly as articulated by Aristotle, Prudence (phronesis) serves as the indispensable guide to Temperance (sophrosyne). While Temperance moderates our appetites and desires, ensuring balance and self-control, it is Prudence—practical wisdom—that discerns the 'mean' or appropriate measure in any given situation, transforming...
The Enduring Idea of Temperance in Politics In the bustling arena of modern politics, where rhetoric often overrides reason and extremes frequently capture headlines, the ancient idea of temperance might seem a quaint, almost forgotten virtue. Yet, for centuries, philosophers from the "Great Books of the Western World"...