Any tips on how to read philosophical works? I'm reading Jacques barzun "House of Intellect." Its hard to read

Question

I consider myself a good reader. When it comes to philosophy, however, i read 5x less the speed i normally do. It is hard to understand because it seems the author's writing is stilted and extrememly bombastic. It just seems like he could simplify his abstruse writing into more laymen words. It doesn't have to be like Dr. Seuss laymen, but something less high-flown. I feel like the way he writes sounds like incoherent drivel or rants about something that is interesting. I really want to learn about his philosophies and his opinions on pseudo-intellectualism, but his arcane references to something that doesn't seem relative to the topic obscure his point. Maybe its just me. I was just wondering if someone could offer some tips on how to read philosophy. Is it ok to read it slow as molasses flows? I put this book aside for awhile knowing that i couldn't handle it's complexity, so i try to hone my reading skills. I felt i have made a dramatic improvement. Also, what are humanities?

Answer 1

It's true, you cannot read philosophy and expect it to flow into your brain like fiction or a newspaper article. Read it slowly, be sure to not skim but to understand each sentence. Do not be afraid to reread any paragraph or sentence if you do not feel you got it the first time. Also, you can take notes, make some bullet points with each of the main points the author tries to make, and what example he/she uses (if any).
Also, putting the book down for a while is fine. When you pick it back up, reread the sections you read earlier and they should be a lot easier to understand.

Answer 2

Let me suggest you with some good books by A.C. Grayling, especially, some particular topics that interest you. Presently I've bought his five books as listed (there're 12 more) which are readable and understandable since he's written for those interested in philosophy looking some books for application in daily life, not for academics seeking for in-depth understanding theoretically,

1. The Heart of Things
2. The Meaning of Things
3. The Reason of Things
4. What is Good?: The Search for the Best Way to Live
5. The Mystery of Things

Try some you like and enjoy.

Answer 3

Hmmm are you looking to say that lack of understanding isn't a bliss? :)) If so I wholly consider you, however regardless of what number of philosophical query you're going to invite ppl with the thirteenth signal obsession will come time and again purpose it sort of feels less difficult to learn or listen some thing that any person else made up after which to copy it like a parrot without a legitimate arguments whatever alternatively of utilizing a minimum attempt to make use of their minds, to make a few study, to open a booklet, to make use of google with a purpose to accumulate a few information so they may be able to deliver a right reasoning to their assertion. Well you need to agree that the Astrology is a problematic subject and it appears extra like a exceptional software to me. A software which involves no less than 2 average sciences - astronomy and math and calls for a few targeted competencies from its practitioners - interpretation competencies, reward of gab, large typical tradition and mental competencies and/or instinct and tons of idea and ardour ab astrology so they may be able to mix all the above and translate their competencies into some thing significant for the non-astrologers like me. Instead of wondering at the subject whether it is viable a thirteenth, 14th, fifteenth signal to exist, as an excessively lazy character with an insignificant thought what astrology is i simply look ahead to the official astrologers to observe them - to this point no person is inclined to announce this kind of innovative discovery and that i presume that there are not any adequate proofs or not anything to be found out whatever :P (Am i making any experience to this point ? :)) ) Anyway if one has doubts that astrology is fake he/she could be very welcome to end up it in any other case its only a infantile technique to appear "oh so very customary" and lamentably ignorant.

Answer 4

Only read as much as you can digest at one time. Take notes of what you consider are important points. Use a dictionary. If possible, discuss it with someone else who has read it or is reading it. I read something by him years ago and enjoyed it.