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 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 Shifting Sands of Right and Wrong: Understanding the Evolution of Moral Customs Moral customs, the unwritten rules that guide our collective behavior and define our sense of right and wrong, are not static decrees from on high. Instead, they are living, breathing constructs, constantly undergoing a subtle yet profound...
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 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 Unseen Battle: The Nature of Courage in Civic Duty Summary: Courage in civic duty extends far beyond the traditional battlefields of War and Peace. It is a vital virtue for every citizen, manifesting as the strength to uphold justice, speak truth, and participate actively in the polis, often against...
The Virtue of Prudence in Personal Finance In an age often characterized by instant gratification and volatile markets, the ancient virtue of prudence stands as a timeless beacon, offering profound guidance for navigating the complexities of personal finance. Far from being mere common sense or cautiousness, prudence, or phronesis as...
The Enduring Craft of Character: Habit's Indispensable Role in Moral Education The pursuit of a morally upright life is perhaps the oldest and most profound quest of humanity. While grand theories of ethics often dominate philosophical discourse, the practical bridge between knowing what is good and doing what...
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 Double-Edged Blade: Navigating Desire on the Path to Virtue and Vice Summary Desire, often seen as a primal force, plays a pivotal role in shaping human character. Far from being merely a destructive impulse, it is an indispensable component of both virtue and vice. This article explores how our...
The Unbreakable Bond: Exploring the Connection Between Honor and Duty Summary: Honor and Duty, often perceived as distinct moral imperatives, are in fact profoundly interconnected, forming a foundational connection that has shaped human ethics and societal structures for millennia. This article delves into how the pursuit of honor often compels...
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...
The Unseen Architect: How Habit Forges Virtue Summary: The profound connection between habit and virtue, a cornerstone of Western philosophy, reveals that our character is not merely a product of innate disposition or singular decisions, but rather the cumulative effect of our repeated actions. From the wisdom of ancient Greece,...
The Indissoluble Bond: Unpacking the Connection Between Courage and Honor The relationship between courage and honor is not merely a philosophical curiosity; it is a fundamental pillar upon which human character and societal integrity are built. At its core, courage is the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and...
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 Connection Between Habit and Virtue: A Philosophical Inquiry Summary: The profound connection between habit and virtue lies at the heart of classical Western philosophy, most notably articulated by Aristotle. Far from being innate qualities, virtues are understood as stable states of character developed through repeated actions and choices—...
