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.
From Riches to Eudaimonia: A Philosophical Journey Through Wealth and Happiness By Daniel Sanderson Summary: The connection between wealth and happiness is a perennial philosophical puzzle, often misunderstood in our material-driven world. Drawing deeply from the Great Books of the Western World, this article explores how ancient thinkers, from Aristotle...
This article explores the profound philosophical concept of labor as the fundamental engine of wealth creation. Drawing insights from the Great Books of the Western World, we examine how man's transformative effort upon nature, both individually and collectively, generates value, shapes societies, and informs the very structure and...
Oligarchy and the Concentration of Wealth: A Philosophical Inquiry The phenomenon of oligarchy, where a select few govern based on their accumulated wealth, is not merely a contemporary economic concern but a profound philosophical challenge with roots stretching back to ancient Greece. This article explores how the concentration of wealth...
The Virtue of Prudence in Wealth: Navigating the Currents of Fortune with Wisdom Summary: In an age often defined by the pursuit and display of affluence, the ancient virtue of Prudence offers an indispensable compass for navigating the complex landscape of wealth. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of the Great...
The Intricate Dance: Exploring the Connection Between Wealth and Justice The relation between wealth and justice has been a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry for millennia, a complex interplay that continues to challenge societies and individuals alike. From the ancient Greek city-states to our contemporary global economy, thinkers have grappled with...
The Golden Chains: Wealth, Labor, and the Enduring Specter of Slavery The pursuit and accumulation of wealth have, throughout human history, been inextricably linked to the concept of slavery, whether overt or subtle. This article explores how philosophical traditions, from antiquity to modernity, illuminate the profound and often uncomfortable connection...
How Labor Creates Wealth and Poverty The fundamental paradox of human society lies in the very engine of its progress: labor. It is a force capable of transforming raw materials into magnificent civilizations, generating boundless wealth, and elevating the human condition. Yet, it is the same force, when structured and...
The Virtue of Prudence in Personal Finance: Navigating Wealth with Wisdom In an age often characterized by instant gratification and speculative ventures, the ancient virtue of prudence offers a timeless compass for navigating the complex seas of personal finance. This article explores how prudence, understood as practical wisdom, is not...
The Unbreakable Thread: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Justice A Direct Look at an Age-Old Dilemma The relation between wealth and justice is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex questions, a perennial subject of debate that shapes societies, economies, and individual lives. From ancient city-states to...
The Uneven Scales: Philosophical Insights into Wealth Distribution and Economic Justice The question of how wealth is distributed within a society is not merely an economic concern; it is a profound philosophical challenge that lies at the heart of our understanding of justice. From ancient city-states to globalized economies, thinkers...
The Indispensable Link: Labor, Wealth, and the Philosophical State The pursuit of wealth, in its myriad forms, has been a driving force throughout human history. From the earliest hunter-gatherer societies to our complex global economies, the desire for sustenance, security, and prosperity remains a constant. But what is the fundamental...
The Impact of Wealth on Family Structure: A Philosophical Inquiry Summary: Wealth, a perpetual subject of philosophical discourse, profoundly reshapes the fundamental institution of the family. Far from being a neutral force, it acts as a powerful catalyst for change, challenging established custom and convention and redefining the very fabric...
The complexities of modern finance often overshadow the timeless wisdom essential for true prosperity. Wealth management, far from being a mere exercise in quantitative analysis, is fundamentally a practice of sound judgment guided by virtue. This pillar page explores the indispensable role of prudence – a concept deeply rooted in classical...
The Enduring Philosophical Quandary: The Problem of Labor in the State The relationship between labor and the state is not merely an economic or political arrangement; it is a profound philosophical problem that cuts to the heart of human dignity, social justice, and the very purpose of political organization. From...
The Prudent Path: Navigating Wealth with Wisdom Wealth, in its myriad forms, presents humanity with a profound challenge: how to acquire, manage, and utilize it in a manner that fosters human flourishing rather than degradation. This article argues that prudence, often considered the "charioteer of the virtues" in...
The Intricate Dance: Unpacking the Connection Between Wealth and Justice The relation between wealth and justice is one of philosophy's most enduring and complex questions. Far from being a simple correlation, their interplay shapes societies, defines individual opportunities, and consistently challenges the very foundations of the State. This...
