How to Use the Syntopicon - The Guide to the West's Great Ideas

Summary

The *Syntopicon*, a monumental guide created as part of *The Great Books of the Western World* series, compiles 102 core ideas central to Western thought. Compiled by Robert Hutchins and Mortimer Adler in 1952, it serves as a reference to the great books' discussions, pointing readers to where these ideas are explored. The *Syntopicon* can be used in four main ways: as a reference work, a book to read cover-to-cover, a tool for liberal education, and an instrument for discovery and research. It remains a valuable resource for exploring Western intellectual traditions and understanding the development of key philosophical, theological, and scientific ideas.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Syntopicon is part of the *Great Books of the Western World* series, published in 1952, summarizing 102 core ideas central to Western thought.
• 😀 Mortimer Adler, the leader of the Syntopicon project, described it as a guide to help readers engage with the greatest minds in Western Civilization on key themes.
• 😀 The Syntopicon consists of two large volumes and is structured around 102 core ideas, each explained in five parts: introduction, outline of topics, references, cross-references, and additional readings.
• 😀 Adler’s primary goal for the Syntopicon was to show the unity and continuity of Western intellectual tradition across different authors and eras.
• 😀 The Syntopicon can be used in four main ways: as a reference book, as a book to be read cover to cover, as an instrument for liberal education, and as a tool for discovery and research.
• 😀 As a reference book, the Syntopicon points readers to where specific ideas have been discussed in the Great Books of the Western World, without providing direct answers.
• 😀 The Syntopicon functions as an ideological map, transforming the Great Books into a thematic, encyclopedic whole, rather than a simple collection of texts.
• 😀 It helps readers answer important questions about Western ideas, such as the history and meaning of concepts, and directs them to further readings outside the Great Books set.
• 😀 The Syntopicon can also be read cover to cover as a collection of 102 essays, offering a thematic exploration of major Western ideas, though this approach is less common.
• 😀 Beyond its reference and educational uses, the Syntopicon is valuable for discovering intellectual trajectories and uncovering unanswered questions, especially in academic research.

Q & A

What is the *Syntopicon* and how does it relate to the *Great Books of the Western World*?

The *Syntopicon* is a two-volume set that summarizes 102 key ideas central to Western thought. It was created as part of the *Great Books of the Western World* collection, edited by Hutchins and Adler. While the *Great Books* contains the actual texts of major works, the *Syntopicon* serves as a guide to these ideas, providing references to the relevant works in the *Great Books* and beyond.

Why was the *Syntopicon* considered controversial?

The *Syntopicon* was controversial because it selected 102 core ideas, which was a limited number given the vast range of ideas in Western thought. Many critics believed there could have been more ideas included, and the choices were subjective, leading to debates about which ideas were essential to the Western intellectual tradition.

What are the four main ways the *Syntopicon* can be used?

The four main uses of the *Syntopicon* are: 1) as a reference book, 2) as a book to be read cover-to-cover, 3) as an instrument of liberal education, and 4) as a tool for discovery and research.

How does the *Syntopicon* function as a reference book?

As a reference book, the *Syntopicon* helps readers explore what the great books say about a particular idea. It does not provide definitive answers, but instead points readers to various texts where the idea is discussed, allowing them to discover the answer for themselves.

What makes the *Syntopicon* different from other reference books like dictionaries or encyclopedias?

Unlike dictionaries or encyclopedias, which provide direct answers or factual information, the *Syntopicon* guides the reader to explore the development of ideas through multiple thinkers and sources. It doesn't offer a single answer but offers a path for discovering different perspectives on an idea.

Can the *Syntopicon* be read cover-to-cover? If so, how?

Yes, the *Syntopicon* can be read cover-to-cover as a collection of 102 essays, one for each key idea. Although it is typically used as a reference guide, some readers choose to read it from start to finish, possibly organizing the ideas into related themes for easier navigation.

How is the *Syntopicon* useful in a course of study?

The *Syntopicon* can be used as a supplemental tool in a course of study to connect students with the major ideas of Western thought that are relevant to their subject. It provides an intellectual roadmap for deeper exploration, linking ideas found in the *Great Books* with specific academic disciplines.

What is the difference between using the *Syntopicon* for liberal education versus research?

Using the *Syntopicon* for liberal education involves integrating its ideas into a structured academic curriculum, helping students understand the development of major concepts. In contrast, using it for research focuses on exploring unanswered questions and tracing the evolution of ideas over time to support academic inquiry or independent exploration.

What does Adler mean when he says the *Syntopicon* provides a 'guide to a syntopical reading'?

Adler refers to 'syntopical reading' as a thematic approach to reading the great books. Rather than reading them in a linear fashion, syntopical reading involves exploring various works around a particular idea, allowing the reader to see how different thinkers have addressed the same topic throughout history.

Why does the speaker believe the *Syntopicon* deserves more recognition?

The speaker believes the *Syntopicon* deserves more recognition because it is a comprehensive and invaluable tool for studying Western thought. Despite its importance, it has not received the attention it deserves, especially considering the depth and breadth of intellectual history it covers. The *Syntopicon* is seen as more than just a reference book—it's a window into the ongoing conversation of Western civilization.