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 Internal Dialogue: Unpacking the Interplay of Desire and Will in Choice The landscape of human choice is rarely a simple, unilinear path. Instead, it's often a complex negotiation, an internal dialogue between the raw impulses of desire and the deliberative power of will. From the ancient Greeks...
The Unrelenting Current: The Will to Power and the Deep Tides of Human Desire The human experience, in its profoundest depths, is an intricate dance between two colossal forces: the Will and Desire. While often conflated, a discerning eye reveals their distinct yet inseparable roles in shaping Man's...
Fate vs. Free Will: Necessity and Contingency The age-old philosophical debate surrounding Fate versus Free Will is not merely an intellectual exercise; it strikes at the very core of human experience, identity, and moral responsibility. At its heart lies the intricate relationship between Necessity and Contingency, fundamentally questioning whether our...
The Concept of God's Will and Cause: Unraveling the Divine Blueprint The concept of God's Will and God's Cause stands as one of the most profound and enduring inquiries in the annals of philosophy and theology. For millennia, thinkers have grappled with the implications...
The Unseen Architect of Our Moral Lives: The Role of Will in Moral Action (Duty) Summary At the heart of every moral decision lies the intricate interplay between our will and our understanding of duty. This article delves into how the philosophical concept of will—that unique faculty of rational...
The Indispensable Compass: Prudence in Decision Making In the labyrinth of human existence, where choices abound and consequences ripple, the ability to navigate with foresight and moral rectitude is not merely a desirable trait but an essential one. This article explores the profound role of prudence in decision-making, revealing it...
The Measured Soul: Why Temperance Triumphs Over Unbridled Desire Summary: In a world often driven by instant gratification, the ancient virtue of Temperance offers a profound path to a well-ordered and flourishing life. This article explores how temperance, far from being mere denial, represents the rational Will's mastery...
The Labyrinthine Depths of God's Will: A Philosophical Inquiry The concept of God's Will stands as a cornerstone in theological discourse and philosophical inquiry, profoundly shaping our understanding of creation, providence, morality, and human destiny. It is not merely an abstract theological tenet, but a vibrant,...
The Ethics of Desire: Navigating the Labyrinth of Human Longing In the grand tapestry of human experience, few threads are as pervasive, as compelling, and as ethically fraught as desire. From the simplest craving for sustenance to the most profound yearning for truth or transcendence, desire propels us, shapes us,...
The Unfolding Tapestry: Chance in Human Affairs Life, as we experience it, often feels like a delicate balance between meticulous planning and sheer unpredictability. We strive for control, yet frequently find ourselves swept up by events beyond our design. This tension lies at the heart of "The Concept of...
Greetings, fellow seekers of truth and navigators of the human condition. Daniel Fletcher here, ready to delve into one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing questions: What is the cause of sin and moral error? This isn't merely an academic exercise; it touches upon our very...
The Unyielding Hand of Conscience: The Role of Will in Moral Action (Duty) Summary The will is not merely an instrument; it is the very crucible where moral action is forged, especially in the context of duty. Far from a passive faculty, it actively engages with our understanding of good...
The Indispensable Compass: The Role of Prudence in Decision Making In an age of overwhelming information and rapid-fire choices, the ability to make sound decisions has never been more critical. This article delves into the profound importance of prudence – often misunderstood as mere caution – as a cardinal virtue essential for...
