What should I read first in philosophy?

10 Books For Beginners to Start With

• Plato, The Last Days of Socrates — this includes four dialogues: the Euthyphro , the Apology , the Crito , and the Phaedo.
• Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics.
• Epictetus, Discourses, Fragments, Handbook.
• Augustine of Hippo, Confessions.
• Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy.

Is history of philosophy important?

The history of philosophy is generally relevant to human affairs for the same reason that the history of anything is relevant. The study of the history of philosophy is important for the understanding of one’s self, and of the nature of human societies and of humanity as a whole.

Which philosophers should I start with?

Socrates is considered as the father of philosophy. You can start with Socrates or even Plato (who was a disciple of Socrates). Socrates didn’t put down much of his thoughts but Plato has more or less similar thoughts. So, some people consider it better to start with Plato.

What Nietzsche should I read first?

With Nietzsche, you could start with his first book, The Birth of Tragedy. This is both informative and readable (and short), and gives an insight into his entire project. Then you could cut to his late little books Ecce Homo and The Antichrist.

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.

Why is it necessary to study the history philosophy?

Answer: Helps Us Ask Questions Daniel Garber (1988) argues that the primary purpose of doing the history of philosophy is to pose new philosophical questions. Studying historical figures stimulates us to consider new problems and/or consider the same problems from new perspectives.

Why should we study the history of philosophy?

To sharpen their analytical and critical skills; to acquire important Page 3 new ideas and concepts (new vocabulary, even); to expand their reading and interpretive abilities; to taste the intrinsic fascinations of watching great minds at work; to learn something about big-picture intellectual history and its relation …

What books should I read if I want to get into philosophy?

10 Best Philosophy Books For Beginners

• Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy – Our Top Pick.
• The Philosophy Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained.
• Socrates’ Way: Seven Keys to Using Your Mind to the Utmost.
• The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell.
• Meditations on First Philosophy by Descartes.

Should I study logic before philosophy?

If you’re interested in the structure of arguments, or in a critical reading of various authors, then you should study logic first. If you’re interested in a specific philosophy, then logic is not necessary, but it can help you decide if a particular view passes the sniff test.

In which order should you read Nietzsche?

Here’s my recommended reading plan for Nietzsche; in this order:

1. The Antichrist (1888)
2. Twilight of the Idols (1888)
3. Genealogy of Morals (1887)
4. Beyond Good and Evil (1886)
5. Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1885)
6. The Gay Science (1882)
7. Daybreak (1881)
8. Human All Too Human (1878)

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. What Is the Main Point?

What is a good age to start reading philosophy?

The reader can trace the history and development of philosophical thought throughout the ages, in the context of what else was occurring at that time in the world. This gift would be suitable for ages 12+ as it is written in ordinary, accessible language.

What are some of the best books on philosophy for beginners?

Next, a book that is often recommended to newcomers is Jostein Gaarder’s book Sophie’s World. It’s a novel that also tries to introduce people to the various ideas of philosophy.

What is the purpose of philosophical reading?

Philosophical reading is an exercise in understanding and should be treated as such. 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.