7 Philosophy Books for Beginners

Summary

This video script offers a beginner's guide to studying philosophy independently, focusing on Western philosophy due to the speaker's academic background. It emphasizes the importance of identifying specific philosophical questions of interest to guide one's reading. The script recommends two introductory books, 'The Problems of Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell and 'Think' by Simon Blackburn, before delving into primary texts by Plato, Marcus Aurelius, Saint Augustine, René Descartes, and John Stuart Mill. The speaker encourages a lifelong journey of philosophical exploration, suggesting that philosophy is not a checklist but a way of life.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker, with a PhD in philosophy, offers guidance for beginners interested in studying philosophy independently.
• 🌐 The speaker's philosophical education is primarily in Western philosophy, acknowledging the existence of non-Western philosophers but focusing on their area of expertise.
• 🤔 It's challenging to be interested in philosophy in general due to its diverse range of questions; beginners should identify specific questions that interest them to guide their reading.
• 📘 Two introductory books are recommended for beginners: 'The Problems of Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell and 'Think' by Simon Blackburn, both offering clear introductions to various philosophical topics.
• 🚫 The speaker advises against starting with broad historical surveys or fictionalized accounts like 'A History of Western Philosophy' or 'Sophie's World', suggesting direct engagement with primary texts instead.
• 📖 Reading primary texts is encouraged, even though they can be difficult; the speaker emphasizes the value of revisiting these texts as understanding deepens over time.
• 🎓 The speaker recommends five primary texts for beginners: the complete works of Plato, 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, 'Confessions' by Saint Augustine, 'Meditations' by René Descartes, and 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill.
• 💭 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius exemplifies philosophy as a way of life, blending personal reflections with philosophical insights.
• 🕊️ Augustine's 'Confessions' is important for understanding the intersection of theology and philosophy in Western thought.
• 🤓 Descartes' 'Meditations' is highlighted for its exploration of skepticism and the foundations of knowledge, featuring the famous cogito, 'I think, therefore I am.'
• 🏛️ Mill's 'On Liberty' is suggested for its influence on contemporary political ideas regarding freedom and individual rights.

Q & A

What is the primary advice given for a beginner who wants to start studying philosophy on their own?

The primary advice is to identify the specific philosophical questions that interest you the most, as philosophy encompasses a wide range of topics. This will guide the selection of books and resources to study.

Why is it suggested to focus on particular questions in philosophy rather than trying to study philosophy in general?

Focusing on particular questions helps to narrow down the vast field of philosophy, making it more manageable for beginners. Philosophy asks many different questions, and individual interests can guide the study more effectively.

Which two books are recommended for beginners to ease into the language of philosophy?

The two recommended books are 'The Problems of Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell and 'Think' by Simon Blackburn. Both books are written to introduce philosophy to non-philosophers and cover a range of philosophical topics.

What is unique about Bertrand Russell's approach in 'The Problems of Philosophy'?

Russell's approach is unique because he wrote the book for non-philosophers, aiming to be exceptionally clear. He also includes a chapter on the value of studying philosophy, which is considered a masterpiece.

Why might Simon Blackburn's 'Think' be a good second book for beginners?

'Think' is a good second book because it introduces a variety of topics that almost everyone finds interesting, such as free will, knowledge, rationality, and ethics, providing a gentle introduction to these concepts.

What is the speaker's opinion on reading primary texts for philosophy beginners?

The speaker believes that reading primary texts is beneficial, even for beginners. Although some texts may be difficult, they offer the opportunity to engage directly with the thoughts of great philosophers, which is a valuable learning experience.

Why is 'The Complete Works of Plato' recommended for a beginner in philosophy?

Plato's works cover a wide range of philosophical topics, including ethics, metaphysics, and political views. Reading his complete works allows a beginner to explore various areas of philosophy through the lens of a great thinker.

What is the significance of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius for someone studying philosophy?

'Meditations' is significant because it exemplifies philosophy as a way of life. It provides insights into stoicism and personal reflections on how to live, making it a compelling read for those interested in practical philosophy.

Why is 'The Confessions' by Saint Augustine recommended, despite its religious content?

Augustine's 'Confessions' is recommended because it blends theology, philosophy, and autobiography in a compelling way, discussing topics like the nature of time, motivation, and the metaphysics of evil, which are important for understanding Western philosophy.

What does the speaker suggest about the approach to reading philosophy texts?

The speaker suggests that reading philosophy texts is not a one-time activity but a continuous journey of learning and revisiting. Even with a PhD, one should expect to find new insights upon rereading these works.

What is the final book recommended in the script, and why is it significant?

The final book recommended is 'On Liberty' by John Stuart Mill. It is significant because it is influential in contemporary political ideas about freedom and liberty, and it helps trace back to the sources of these popular notions.