Table of Contents
What is the best way to start studying philosophy?
6 tips for teaching yourself philosophy
- Start from a position of ignorance.
- Expect to go slowly.
- Read when you are most alert.
- Pick whatever interests you the most.
- Get a philosophical dictionary.
- Familiarize yourself with the history of Western Thought.
What philosophy should I read first?
, I right words. Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy” was a good one for me. But I had people with which to discuss it and some guidance along the way. Whichever you choose, make notes of the references then get to know them as well.
How can I learn to read philosophy?
How to Learn Philosophy Without Going to Class
- Read the books “A History of Western Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell or “The Story of Philosophy” by Will Durant.
- Listen to bite-sized audio courses on Listenable.
- Take bite-sized courses on philosophy on Highbrow.
- Use Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
How do I start Plato?
Suggested reading order:
- Charmides. A short, simple, and, well, charming work to break the ice.
- Apology. Get to know the historical Socrates.
- Phadeo. Contains Plato’s main messages all in one dialogue.
- Symposium. Everyone’s favorite topic — love.
- Republic. Now you’re ready for Plato’s greatest work!
Can I study philosophy online?
Explore a free online course on the birth of Western philosophy, taught in English, from Tsinghua University. Find many philosophy and ethics courses on edX from major universities around the world. Many online classes are self-paced so you can enroll and start learning today.
Can you self learn philosophy?
To self-learn philosophy, you need to have the humility to accept the fact that your existing beliefs could be wrong. Go into the learning process with an open mind for a real chance at understanding all the important philosophical concepts.
Can I start reading philosophy with 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.
How can I improve my philosophical reading skills?
To build great philosophical reading skills you’ll need to cultivate some philosophical empathy and self-criticism. 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.
How do I decide what to read in a philosophy book?
To decide you’ll need to fully understand the ideas being presented and the rhetorical strategies employed. 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 are the best ways to learn philosophy?
Podcasts can be a great way learn philosophy because some of the concepts can be more easily understood when someone explains it to you, instead of reading it about it. It is also extremely interesting to hear experts in the field muse about potential ideas or changes in traditional philosophical thinking.
How long does it take to read a philosophy paper?
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? Before actually starting to read, skim the paper to get a sense of the main point the author is trying to make and the structure of the piece.