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 Philosophical Underpinnings of the Warrior's Ethos: Honor, Courage, and Duty The military, in its essence, is a crucible where humanity's most profound virtues are both tested and forged. At its heart lie the intertwined concepts of honor, courage, and duty – principles that have captivated philosophers...
The Enduring Quest: Defining a Just War The notion of a "just war" might strike some as an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. How can something as inherently destructive and tragic as war ever be deemed just? Yet, for millennia, philosophers, theologians, and legal scholars have grappled with...
The Enduring Paradox: Courage, War, and the Human Spirit Summary Courage, often simplistically equated with the absence of fear, is a profound and complex virtue, particularly illuminated by the crucible of war. This article delves into the Nature of courage, exploring its philosophical roots and its intricate relationship with emotion,...
The Enduring Dialectic: Unpacking the Politics of War and Peace The perennial dance between conflict and concord, the oscillations of war and peace, are not merely historical events but profound philosophical problems, deeply embedded in the very fabric of human politics. From the ancient city-states to the sprawling empires and...
The Principle of Justice in War and Peace: A Philosophical Inquiry The quest for justice stands as one of humanity's most enduring and perplexing philosophical endeavors. From the ancient Greek city-states to the complexities of modern international relations, discerning the appropriate application of moral principles in human affairs...
The Unyielding Question: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of War and Peace The concepts of War and Peace represent perhaps the most profound and enduring ethical challenges humanity faces. From the blood-soaked plains of ancient battles to the hushed halls of diplomatic negotiations, the question of when, why, and how we...
The Indispensable Virtue: Courage in Civic Duty Civic duty, at its core, is the responsibility of a citizen to contribute to the well-being and governance of their community and state. Yet, this noble aspiration often demands more than mere compliance; it requires an unwavering spirit that philosophers throughout history have...
Honor, Courage, and the Enduring Ethos of the Military In the grand tapestry of human civilization, few concepts resonate with the profound depth and enduring significance of honor, courage, and duty, particularly when examined through the lens of military service. This article delves into the philosophical underpinnings of these virtues,...
The Definition of a Just War: Navigating the Ethical Labyrinth of Conflict A Quest for Justice Amidst the Chaos of War The very notion of a "just war" often strikes the modern ear as an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms. How can the devastation, loss, and inherent violence...
The Perennial Dance: War and Peace as Fundamental States of Existence In the grand tapestry of human experience, woven through millennia of thought and action, War and Peace emerge not merely as historical events or political conditions, but as profound states of existence. They are the two poles around which...
