The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain is a philosophical novel set in 16th-century Austria. Three boys encounter a supernatural being named Satan, who claims to be an angel and demonstrates miraculous powers. He manipulates reality, exposing human hypocrisy, cruelty, and the illusion of free will. As he performs miracles and disrupts lives, he challenges morality,…
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a psychological novel that explores the moral struggles of Raskolnikov, a poor ex-student in St. Petersburg. He commits a brutal murder, believing that certain individuals have the right to transgress moral laws for a greater good. However, after the crime, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia, leading…
The Apology of Socrates by Plato recounts Socrates’ defense during his trial for impiety and corrupting Athenian youth. Socrates refutes the charges, arguing that he is a seeker of truth, questioning wisdom to reveal ignorance. He denies atheism, claiming he follows a divine mission. He critiques Athens for valuing wealth over virtue and insists that…
An Essay on Man by Alexander Pope is a philosophical poem, written in heroic couplets, that explores the nature of humanity, its place in the universe, and its relationship with God. Published in 1733–1734, the work attempts to justify the ways of God to man, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of reason and order. The poem…
Anarchy is a philosophical and political concept that advocates for a society without a governing body or hierarchical authority. At its core, anarchy promotes the idea that people can organize themselves freely and cooperatively without the need for a centralized power structure. Anarchists believe that traditional forms of governance often lead to oppression, inequality, and…
