how to read philosophy there should be a required course on how to read philosophy

What should I read to get into philosophy?

May 22, 2014 · Read the first and last paragraph of the text (or section of text). This should provide you with answers to some of your questions, like ‘What’s the point?’, ‘Why did they bother?’ and ‘What are they trying to prove?’ Review your findings: what do you know already about the text and what to expect? Step 4: Fast-read!

Where to start reading philosophy?

How to Read Philosophy. What follows is an extract from a forthcoming book called AQA AS Philosophy by Gerald Jones, Dan Cardinal & Jeremy Hayward – an engaging, student-friendly textbook designed to help UK high school students embrace and enjoy philosophy at AS level. It seemed such a useful guide that we decided to print it here as well.

What is the best way to read Philosophy?

Some Basics. • Read when you know you have enough time to read a substantial amount of the assignment (reading bits now and then doesn’t work); read where you won’t be distracted; etc. • If you are accessing the text electronically (e.g, if you’re reading something posted on …

Why is philosophy so hard to read?

Feb 28, 2017 · This sounds pretty obvious, but reading Philosophy requires a lot of your time and focus. It is totally different to reading for fun or reading to get facts from things; theoretical reading requires an appreciation of precision and logic and a willingness to be open-minded to new ways of thinking. Philosophical texts offer up arguments, which ...

What is the proper way to read philosophy?

Reading Philosophical TextsDo the assigned reading. The philosophical texts simply are the content of the course; if you do not read, you will not learn. ... Consider the context. ... Take your time. ... Spot crucial passages. ... Identify central theses. ... Locate supportive arguments. ... Assess the arguments. ... Look for connections.

Where do I start if I want to read philosophy?

The Best Philosophy Books for BeginnersPlato: 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.More items...•Mar 14, 2021

How do beginners understand philosophy?

0:5012:41Philosophy Books for Beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt will be difficult it will be deep the abstract and challenging for you know your average reader.MoreIt will be difficult it will be deep the abstract and challenging for you know your average reader. And others believe but they won't be able to understand it without having to go to a lecture.

What books should I read to learn about philosophy?

These philosophy books should paint a picture of the culture.Meditations. One that you'll find on many of these types of lists is Meditations and for good reason. ... Letters From a Stoic. ... Nicomachean Ethics. ... Beyond Good & Evil. ... Meditations on First Philosophy. ... Ethics. ... Critique of Pure Reason. ... On the Genealogy of Morals.More items...

How do I start Nietzsche?

In his 1886 work Beyond Good & Evil, Nietzsche attempts to sum up his own philosophy — making it an ideal starting point for those looking to delve into Nietzsche's actual writings.

Which philosopher should I start with?

When people ask where they ought to begin in reading philosophy I always suggest starting with Plato. And given how important his teacher, Socrates, was in Plato's own philosophical development, why not begin with these dialogues that set out the drama of Socrates' trial, conviction, imprisonment, and execution?May 11, 2018

Is philosophy hard to read?

Reading Philosophy is a difficult task, especially coming to uni with little or no background in the subject. Reading lists can look long and daunting, vocabulary can be confusing and it seems to take ages to understand even the smallest part of a chapter.Feb 28, 2017

Is philosophy difficult to study?

Readings for philosophy courses are generally not long, but they are difficult and challenging. You cannot expect to go through an assigned reading once and have an adequate grasp of it. Some students seem to thrive on the painstaking study required, while others simply don't have the patience for it.

What is the introduction of philosophy?

Philosophy is a field of inquiry – the pursuit of wisdom; the predecessor and complement of science, developing the issues which underlie science and pondering those questions which are beyond the scope of science.

Is reading philosophy good for you?

A study of philosophy will help you develop critical thinking skills. It will encourage you to understand the constraints you operate within when you make certain choices or even when you decide which goals you should pursue. You will be able to think intelligently of how you live and why you live that way.Nov 29, 2018

Which philosopher is easiest to read?

Plato is the easiest of the great philosophers that is commonly read, relative to frequency. This is because Plato is an experience that can last a lifetime. Epictetus is also one of the easiest. Also, Bertrand Russell's History of Philosophy is frequently an early point of derision for young philosophers.

Should I learn philosophy?

The study of philosophy enhances a person's problem-solving capacities. It helps us to analyze concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems. It contributes to our capacity to organize ideas and issues, to deal with questions of value, and to extract what is essential from large quantities of information.

How long does it take to read a philosophy book?

Philosophical writings are dense and difficult. When reading, set realistic goals. While reading a page of a novel can take as little as thirty seconds, some pages in philosophy require at least ten minutes or even more .

How to build a philosophical reading skill?

Writing philosophy is challenging. Be empathetic: after you come up with some possible criticism, imagine taking the role of your opponent and try to answer your criticisms. This exercise can improve your understanding of a philosophical text dramatically, showing you viewpoints that were not clear to you before.

What is the task of a philosophy reader?

Your task as a philosophy reader is not just to take in information, as you would do with a biology textbook: you are engaging with an argument. You may agree or disagree — but either way, you need to know why you've formed a particular opinion. As you're reading, look for flaws in the writer's argument, and mark them.

How to understand a philosophical piece?

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 is philosophical writing?

Philosophical writing is persuasive writing. When you read a philosophical piece you are reading the opinion of an author who is trying to persuade you of the plausibility or implausibility of a position.

Who is Andrea Borghini?

Andrea Borghini, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at the University of Milan , Italy. His research focuses on metaphysics, ethics, and philosophy of biology. our editorial process. Andrea Borghini. Updated July 31, 2019. So you have a philosophical piece in your hand, for the very first time.

What is philosophical writing?

Philosophical writing is quite unique in that it usually offers an internal dialogue. Not dissimilar to the back-and-forth of philosophical debate, the text will often have the author refuting and defending his own theory all in the same work. This is to be expected – philosophical thinking isn’t straightforward! So, when you’re reading, don’t be disheartened if you don’t understand something on the first go. Often, rather than dwelling on that same paragraph over and over again, it is better to carry on reading and come back to it later. Sometimes finishing the text and having an overall picture may clarify any issues you were having earlier on.

What is the difference between theoretical and philosophical reading?

It is totally different to reading for fun or reading to get facts from things; theoretical reading requires an appreciation of precision and logic and a willingness to be open-minded to new ways of thinking.

Is reading philosophy difficult?

Reading Philosophy is a difficult task, especially coming to uni with little or no background in the subject. Reading lists can look long and daunting, vocabulary can be confusing and it seems to take ages to understand even the smallest part of a chapter. Even as a third year, I still find myself taking a long time to get through a reading ...

Monday, January 31, 2005

Reading philosophy is...different. There are a variety of pieces on the web, many of them handouts for classes like this one, about how to read (and write) philosophy. One I like in particular is at www. princeton.edu/~jimpryor/general/reading.html

How to Read Philosophy

Reading philosophy is...different. There are a variety of pieces on the web, many of them handouts for classes like this one, about how to read (and write) philosophy. One I like in particular is at www. princeton.edu/~jimpryor/general/reading.html

What is the story of philosophy?

The Story of Philosophy also explores the theories and teachings of the greatest philosophers of all time. It works well as an overview for those who are extremely new to philosophy. It is written in a way that makes philosophy engaging.

What is philosophy tube?

Philosophy Tube was created by Olly, an individual who graduated from a British university and majored in Philosophy. He created the channel as a way to share ideas and allow others to learn philosophy without paying the outrageous tuition prices associated with higher education. Each of his shows focuses on a philosophical idea or individual. He also reads out comments and engages with his audience to make the learning experience a group effort. Most videos are under ten minutes and are interesting and enjoyable.

What is the history of Western philosophy?

A History of Western Philosophy is commonly considered the one of the most comprehensive books on Western Philosophy. It dives into the teachings of some of the most famous philosophers in history, including Aristotle, Plato, and Kant. Even though the book was published in 1945, it has stood the test of time by explaining ...

How long is a highbrow course?

Highbrow offers 10-day courses delivered in easy-to-digest e-mails. Their philosophy courses range from basic philosophical ideas to the history of those who are considered the fathers of modern psychology. The courses also include specific topics like Women in philosophy or Introduction to utilitarianism.

What is Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy?

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy is the ultimate resource for all things philosophy. Work from scholars around the world is combined into one resource and updated periodically so you know that you are always reading the latest information in the field of philosophy.

What is the Partially Examined Life podcast?

The Partially Examined Life is both a podcast and a blog on philosophy. Every episode is a roundtable discussion that is focused on short reading that focuses on one philosophical concept or idea. Its casual vibe makes each episode interesting and easy to understand for the average listener.

What is wireless philosophy?

Wireless Philosophy is another YouTube channel focused on philosophy. It uses animated videos and partners with professors from renowned learning centers like Yale and MIT to explain philosophical concepts. They are designed to be accessible, entertaining, and interesting. Most videos are under 10 minutes.

What are some good books to read about philosophy?

Two good places to start are Simon Blackburn's book Think and Julian Baggini's The Pig That Wants to be Eaten. The Blackburn book clearly and concisely goes through most of the large areas of philosophy and talks about how various philosophers have thought about them. The Baggini book presents interesting little thought experiments and puzzles that can help acquaint you with some of the interesting and odd topics that philosophers have addressed. Both books provide enough citations for you to start digging on your own once you've identified things you find interesting.

How to make quick buck?

One way to make quick buck is to grab a bunch of important stuff and stick it in a book, then sell it to people. Thankfully when philosophers do this, it makes it easy to get into a topic.

Is Plato a good philosopher?

As mentioned above, Plato is a good place to dive in. He sits near the beginning of the Western philosophical tradition, his writing is often engaging, he covers practically every topic, and he was massively influential. In addition to this collection of five dialogues, Plato's Republic is a masterpiece that touches on many areas of philosophy and which has often served as the first introduction students get to the field.

Is philosophy a large field?

As pointed out elsewhere in this FAQ, philosophy is a very large field. You could spend your entire life studying political philosophy and never touch metaphysics, or vice versa. This makes it difficult to recommend good places to start for people who know nothing about philosophy: it's a bit like recommending a food to someone who has ...