The term 'Great Books' refers to a foundational collection of texts considered to represent the most significant ideas, narratives, and arguments in the intellectual history of a culture, typically Western civilization. The concept is central to the Great Books movement, an educational philosophy advocating for a return to primary source readings in a shared liberal arts curriculum. The core principle is that direct engagement with original works of philosophy, literature, science, and political thought—from Homer and Plato to Shakespeare and Newton—provides an unparalleled education in critical thinking, cultural literacy, and the ongoing 'Great Conversation' across generations. While traditionally focused on the Western canon, contemporary discourse actively debates and expands the definition to be more inclusive of global voices and perspectives.
Great Books
Discussions related to Great Books
No discussions yet for this topic.
Wiki Context
Overview
Overview and Conceptual Foundations
This chapter defines the 'Great Books' concept, outlines the historical Great Books movement, explores the underlying philosophy of a liberal arts education rooted in primary texts, and sets the context for the course as a whole.
Historical Development of the Canon
This chapter examines the ancient origins of literary canons, traces the development of the modern Great Books movement from figures like John Erskine and Robert Maynard Hutchins, and analyzes the founding of The Great Books of the Western World set and its associated reading groups.
Core Characteristics and Canonicity
This chapter details the key characteristics of a Great Book (originality, thematic weight, influence), explores principles of textual selection, and contrasts the traditional Western canon with concepts of a multicultural or global canon.
Structural Periods and Disciplinary Fields
This chapter provides a structural breakdown of the Great Books by historical period (Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, Modern) and by field (Philosophy, Literature, Science, Political Theory, History), highlighting core texts in each category.
Methodologies of Study and Pedagogy
This chapter explores different frameworks for approaching the Great Books, including chronological, thematic (e.g., Justice, Love, Fate), comparative, and single-author studies. It also examines the Socratic Seminar as a primary pedagogical method.
Applications in Education and Lifelong Learning
This chapter surveys the practical application of Great Books study in formal education (core curricula, liberal arts colleges, high schools), adult education (seminar programs), and self-directed learning.
Criticism, Debate, and Canonical Revision
This chapter critically examines major critiques of the Great Books concept, including charges of Western bias, Eurocentrism, lack of diversity, cultural imperialism, and the essentialist view of a fixed canon.
Future Directions and the Evolving Canon
This chapter investigates contemporary developments, including the expansion towards global and post-colonial canons, the digital archiving and dissemination of primary texts, and the ongoing debates about the relevance of 'classics' in a multicultural, digital age.