2007-11-09 13:29:57 · 13 answers · asked by petpaperduck 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
There are probably more philosophical books than you could read in a lifetime. If you want a good introduction to philosophy, I'd suggest getting an introductory anthology. One I have is "Historical Introduction to Philosophy". by Albert B Hakim. It is good, but there may be better ones. The good thing about a book like this is that it has actual writings from virtually all the major philosophers throughout history, but it also gives you a good bit of explanation about it as well. After you pick out a small section you'd like to read, to really get the most from it, I'd read it very carefully, sit back and think about it, maybe even try to summarize it and critique it and then read it again. I say this because it's very easy to read philosophy and just get a really general idea of what’s being talked about and think that is all that's being said. Really, the greatest part of philosophical works is in the details.
If you want a good introduction to contemporary philosophy especially in the cognitive strain, I'd suggest reading Steven Pinker's "How the mind works". It is full of great ideas collected from a lot of what is going on now in philosophy of mind and is written in a very accessible style.
2007-11-09 14:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by David J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Walden by Henry Davis Thoreau
Self Reliance by James Allen
2007-11-09 13:43:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead, both by Ayn Rand. They are great novels and philosophical at the same time.
2007-11-09 13:37:54 · answer #3 · answered by SNPUC2 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to start with Plato, read Meno. Then try Apology and Crito.
I would also suggest Aristotle's Ethics and Physics.
Remember that philosophy is the love of wisdom. Don't get sucked into tripe that promotes helplessness and defeatism.
2007-11-09 13:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by Seosamh 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aristotle Would Have Liked Oprah by Ethel Diamond
A quick review/intro to many great western philosophers.
Good Luck !
;-)
2007-11-09 15:45:47 · answer #5 · answered by WikiJo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, philosophical books......Being and Nothingness by Sartre comes to mind, as does A Critique of Pure Reason by Kant, and......oh yeah....Plato's Republic.
2007-11-09 13:36:23 · answer #6 · answered by John 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I consider Etienne Gilson essential reading for anyone interested in philosophy.
And 2 of his essentials …
Etienne Gilson ... Unity of Philosophical Experience
Etienne Gilson ... God and Philosophy
Check the reviews of these books on Amazon.com for write-ups on them.
2007-11-09 13:59:53 · answer #7 · answered by Larry K 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my favorite is "Marriage & Morals" by Bertrand Russel. modern philosopher (meaning not as old as Plato). the thoughts are based soley on logic and not on any religious philosophies. Very relevant............ very true...........somewhat shocking to the conservatives
2007-11-09 13:43:48 · answer #8 · answered by karen 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why the heck did 'the Bible' get two thumbs down?
That's deffinitely not right.
Yes, the Bible.
2007-11-09 15:43:14 · answer #9 · answered by Michele 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. The bible. read it and it will make you think
2007-11-13 12:58:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋