Useful tips

How do you read a philosophical text?

by Rhyley Bryan

How do you read a philosophical text?

Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Do the assigned reading. The philosophical texts simply are the content of the course; if you do not read, you will not learn.
  2. Consider the context.
  3. Take your time.
  4. Spot crucial passages.
  5. Identify central theses.
  6. Locate supportive arguments.
  7. Assess the arguments.
  8. Look for connections.

What is the most widely read book on philosophy?

Below, we’ve collected her suggestions—dive into the best philosophy books now.

  • The Republic. By Plato.
  • The Prince. By Niccolò Machiavelli.
  • Discourse on Method. By René Descartes.
  • Classics in Chinese Philosophy. By Wade Baskin.
  • The Problems of Philosophy.
  • The Emotions.
  • Great Philosophers Volume One.
  • Great Philosophers Volume Two.

Should I read philosophy books?

Why You Should Read Philosophy? Since logic and reason are the cornerstones of philosophy, taking the time out to read books on the subject can help you become a better thinker and evolve your ability to reason. A study of philosophy will help you develop critical thinking skills.

What philosophy book should I read first?

The Best Philosophy Books for Beginners

  • Plato: Five Dialogues by Plato.
  • The Emperor’s New Mind by Roger Penrose.
  • Mengzi: With Selections from Traditional Commentaries translated by Bryan W.
  • Meno by Plato.
  • Republic by Plato.
  • Discourse on Method by Rene Descartes.
  • Symposium by Plato.
  • The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins.

How do you read difficult philosophical texts?

At times, it feels like Philosophy is impossible to understand. But just because you or I can’t understand these on first attempt, doesn’t mean these texts should be forgotten….

  1. Read Secondary Texts.
  2. Develop a Philosophers Toolkit.
  3. Don’t Miss the Bigger Picture.
  4. Be Open to Interpretation.
  5. Take Things Slow.

What is the best way to understand philosophy?

Engage in Philosophical Discussion One of the best ways to understand and analyze a philosophical piece is to discuss it with others. It isn’t always easy to find friends interesting in discussing philosophy at length — but often other members of your class will be willing to talk about the content of assignments.

What should I read for philosophy?

We’ve compiled our “must-read” philosophical books.

  • Apology of Socrates by Plato.
  • Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.
  • The discourse on method by Descartes.
  • Candide or Optimism by Voltaire.
  • Beyond good and evil by Nietzsche.
  • Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky.
  • The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Kundera.

What should I read in philosophy?

The Republic by Plato.

  • Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
  • Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle.
  • The Enneads by Plotinus.
  • Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.
  • The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell.
  • The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts.
  • A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume.

    • Who was the greatest philosopher of all time?

    Major Philosophers and Their Ideas

    1. Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274)
    2. Aristotle (384–322 BCE)
    3. Confucius (551–479 BCE)
    4. René Descartes (1596–1650)
    5. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 82)
    6. Michel Foucault (1926-1984)
    7. David Hume (1711–77)
    8. Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)

    Where can I find early modern philosophy texts?

    On this site you will find versions of some classics of early modern philosophy, and a few from the 19th century, prepared with a view to making them easier to read while leaving intact the main arguments, doctrines, and lines of thought. The site is now (2019) operated by the text-preparer Jonathan Bennett and his Canadian team.

    Who is the author of texts from last night?

    Texts From Last Night – All the Texts No One Remembers Sending by Lauren Leto is available now. This is a really funny book, but you need to appreciate adult humour to be amused I think. I brought this because I loved the two books called Damn You Autocorrect and was looking for other books along the same lines.

    Which is the best book to read about philosophy?

    The books that we selected are great for people making the first leap. Viewpoint – With philosophy, in particular, the author’s views are more important than in your standard book. We want to ensure the viewpoints and thoughts being discussed still hold up to this day.

    Where can I read texts from last night?

    Texts From Last Night and millions of other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we’ll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer – no Kindle device required.