Masterpost: How to Begin Studying Philosophy
I get a lot of messages from people interested in beginning their education in philosophy - this is a masterpost for people who might ask that daunting question. From here you get to choose your own adventure. You can jump right into a philosophy book that you’re interested in, listen to podcasts, read a comic book, take an online class. Find what works for you. As with everything, you have to start somewhere.
General Philosophy - Meditations by Descartes, The Apology by Plato, The Anti-Christ/Birth of Tragedy by Nietzsche, An Inquiry Concerning Human Nature by Hume, The Problems of Philosophy by Russell, Meditations by Aurelius
Ethics - Famine Affluence Morality by Singer, Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle, Utilitarianism by Mill
Political Philosophy - The Republic by Plato, On Liberty by Mill, The Prince by Machiavelli , The Social Contract by Rousseau
Environmental Ethics - Sand County Almanac by Leopold, Animal Liberation by Singer, The Ethics of Climate Change by Garvey
Existentialism - Existentialism is a Humanism and Existentialism and Human Emotion by Sartre, Myth of Sisyphus by Camus
Eastern Philosophy - Bhagvad Gita, Tao Te Ching (the Laozi), The Art of War by Tzu
Students of Philosophy protip - if you’re reading a book, it’s a good idea to have that book in print so you can actively read. Mark your philosophy books up with a highlighter, underline, take notes in the margins. Most philosophy books can be found on Amazon for pennies or at discount bookstores.
Philosophy in Literature (these are stories heavily imbued with philosophy)
Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Nietzsche, The Stranger by Camus, All Men are Mortal by de Beauvoir, any of Plato’s dialogues actually, Siddhartha by Hesse, Under the Net by Murdoch, No Exit by Sartre, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (philosophical autobiography)
(books to give you a general overview of philosophy but that aren’t persay a “philosophy” book)
History of Western Philosophy by Russell*
Sophie’s World (also a fictional story)
Doing Philosophy by Gerald Rochelle (”how” to “do” philosophy)
Students of Philosophy protip - reading a “history of philosophy” book that goes through various philosophers and trends in philosophy will help direct you towards what you’re interested in and is Bar’s recommended platform for learning philosophy, even if it isn’t the most fun method
* This is the book I see most often recomended for begniing an education in philosophy.
Other Mediums to Learn by
Learning by Listening and Watching
Crash Course in Philosophy (Hank Green PBS youtube series)
Partially Examined Life podcast (roundtable discussion about philosophical ideas, accessible for beginners)
Wireless Philosophy (youtube series done by university professors)
School of Life (well made educational youtube series)
Action Philosophers Comic Series
Oxford University Philosophy Classes
Oxford University General Philosophy Podcast
Students of Philosophy protip - if you haven’t already seen, most words are linked back to their original source.
Analytic Philosophy (a long step by step guide)
Other Guides to Beginning Philosophy
Existential Comics (a truly wonderful masterpost-esque guide)
Areistotle’s “How to Study” Masterpost
Why Study Philosophy Anyways Masterpost
Study Guide for the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
How to Study Philosophy on Your Own
TV Shows with Philosophical Themes
