Theory & Philosophy

  • Book cover for 'Meditations' featuring a forest scene with tall pine trees, illustrated with a hand reaching up, and a bust of Marcus Aurelius partially visible at the bottom.

    Meditations | Marcus Aurelius

    a collection of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor, reflecting on Stoic philosophy and self-improvement. Written between 170 and 180 CE, it emphasizes the importance of inner peace and moral certainty amidst life's challenges.

  • A detailed black and white illustration of a floral arrangement centered around a trumpet-shaped vase, with various flowers, leaves, and berries.

    An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume (1748)

    Hume explores fundamental questions about human knowledge: how we form ideas from sensory impressions, why we connect thoughts in certain patterns, and whether experience can truly justify our beliefs about cause and effect.

  • Abstract swirl of dark purple, black, white, orange, and gold colors with dynamic flowing patterns and small gold flecks scattered throughout.

    Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking by William James

    The work examines the pragmatic movement in philosophy, which seeks to reconcile empirical evidence with the broader existential concerns of human life and belief systems. It engages with the dichotomy between rationalist and empiricist thought, proposing that pragmatism can bridge these approaches by situating philosophical issues within the realm of practical consequences and human experience.

  • Statue of a historical figure holding a scroll and a sword, outdoors with trees and cloudy sky in the background.

    The Art of War

    an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the 5th century BC. Composed of 13 chapters, this influential work explores military strategy, tactics, intelligence operations, and the art of warfare. For nearly 1,500 years, it served as the lead text in China's Seven Military Classics.

  • A classical painting of philosophy in an ancient Roman or Greek setting, depicting numerous historical figures engaged in discussion and learning in a grand, ornate hall with marble columns and a domed ceiling.

    Symposium by Plato

    At a banquet in ancient Athens, notable figures including Socrates, Alcibiades, and Aristophanes engage in a contest of speeches praising Eros, the god of love. Each man offers his perspective on love's nature and power—from inspiring battlefield courage to transcending earthly desire. Through conflicting ideas and shifting viewpoints, the dialogue explores love's deepest meanings while showcasing both philosophical depth and literary artistry.

  • A black and white photograph of a classical sculpture of a bearded man with curly hair, partially draped in cloth, set against a dark background.

    The Enchiridion by Epictetus

    a manual of Stoic ethical advice compiled in the early 2nd century by Arrian, a disciple of the Greek philosopher. This concise handbook distills practical precepts for achieving mental freedom and happiness in all circumstances. It teaches readers to distinguish between what lies within their control and what does not, emphasizing that judgments, not external events, disturb people.

  • A black and white portrait of a man with a mustache and goatee, resting his head on his hand, wearing a coat.

    Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1886)

    Nietzsche launches a fierce attack on traditional philosophy, accusing past thinkers of disguising moral prejudices as objective truth. He challenges fundamental concepts like good versus evil, knowledge, and free will, proposing instead his theory of "will to power." The book calls for new philosophers who will move beyond conventional morality to embrace a more dangerous, perspectival understanding of existence and create new values for the future.

  • Text on a black-and-white background showing a church steeple, reading "Moralty vs. Ethics" with a strike-through line at the top.

    Morality Vs Ethics

    Moral systems are designed to oppress and marginalise anyone the system deems undesirable. They are based on transcendent rules that are forcibly applied to all people from all backgrounds, in all situations; regardless of each individual's desires and values. Unlike reactionary universal 'morals', ethics are decided on a case-by-case basis by the individual based on their own values and desires. Ethics are tangible and tied to real cause and effect outcomes.

  • A black and white portrait of a woman with curly hair, looking to the side.

    Selected Works of Voltairine de Cleyre

    The works encompass a range of themes including personal reflection, social justice, feminism, and anarchist principles, reflecting the author's deep commitment to individual liberty and critique of societal norms. As one of the notable figures within the anarchist movement, de Cleyre's writings serve as a poignant exploration of human freedom and the struggles faced by marginalized groups.

  • Ancient Greek gecko vase with figures playing music and dancing.

    Homer's Odyssey by Denton Jaques Snider

    explores the intricate narrative of Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War, delving into themes of wisdom, suffering, and divine intervention while analyzing the structure and meaning within Homeric poetry. Snider’s interpretation emphasizes the dualities present in the text, including human struggle against divine forces and the complexities of personal growth.

  • Marble bust sculptures of ancient Greek philosophers displayed in a museum with dark background lighting.

    The Nicomachean ethics of Aristotle

    This work serves as a comprehensive exploration of moral philosophy, addressing the nature of good character, virtue, and ultimately happiness, which Aristotle identifies as the chief aim of human action.

  • Black and white book cover titled 'Anarchism and Other Essays' showing a woman with glasses and her hand resting on her chin.

    Anarchism and Other Essays | Emma Goldman

    A collection of essays published in 1910. Goldman's first book presents her anarchist perspectives on women's oppression, feminism, prisons, political violence, sexuality, religion, and nationalism.

  • The Roman Colosseum illuminated at dusk with a cloudy sky behind it.

    The Republic by Plato

    Through conversations between Socrates and various Athenians, the work explores the meaning of justice and whether the just person is happier than the unjust. Socrates examines existing forms of government and proposes an ideal city-state ruled by philosopher-kings. The dialogue ranges across profound questions: the nature of the soul, the role of poetry, love, aging, and the purpose of political power itself.

  • Communist Manifesto | Frederick Engels & Karl Marx

    Communist Manifesto | Frederick Engels & Karl Marx

    A political pamphlet written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, published in February 1848. It outlines the theory of class struggle and advocates for the overthrow of capitalist societies to establish a classless society.

  • A hand-drawn map illustrating an orientation from north to south, featuring a river, trees, a dragon, and the words 'Towards Terra Incognita'.

    Toward Terra Incognita

    I propose an anarchy that moves beyond the politics of embracing assigned identity, toward de-territorializing one’s body and destroying identity-based occupation all together. At the intersection of anti-colonial and antiauthoritarian praxis is a nihilist critique of any and all cultural ownership of one’s body, becoming a dangerous space of terra incognita.

  • Text reading "LANTERN IN THE DARK" in bold yellow capital letters on a black background with a red and yellow gradient triangle on the right side.

    Lantern in the Dark

    The Freedom of Anthroharmonics by Toni Hazel. A poetic philosophy zine.